Former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith, once the fastest player to reach 30 career sacks, passed away on Saturday.
He was 36.
Smith played six seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.
The 49ers drafted Smith seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers said in a statement.
“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen. Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon,” it continued.
The 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith.
📰 https://t.co/gVxEEdWtLp pic.twitter.com/UfAJmyI5Rp
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 13, 2026
ESPN shared further:
As a rookie, Smith burst on the scene with 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits on his way to finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting. He followed with his best NFL season in 2012, posting 19.5 sacks and 29 quarterback hits as he earned Pro Bowl and All Pro honors. Those 19.5 sacks still stand as a franchise record for a season.
Smith’s rapid ascent to NFL stardom was slowed by a series of off-field issues that included 10 arrests in nine years. That included an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in Miami in 2012, another on the same charge in San Jose in 2013 in which he crashed his car into a tree and an arrest for three felony charges of possessing illegal assault weapons in October 2013.
The NFL suspended Smith for nine games in 2014 for violation of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. On. Aug. 7, 2015, the 49ers released Smith after a third DUI-related arrest. His release came the day after he was arrested on hit-and-run, DUI and vandalism charges.
Smith signed with the Raiders in September 2015, but the league suspended him for a year in November 2015 for again violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
“Here’s what I’ve been told about Aldon Smith passing away today at 36 years old. He was dead on arrival at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California,” NFL host and analyst Chase Senior said.
“The 49ers have since confirmed the news. Smith was one of the most gifted players in the history of the NFL, but also one of the most troubled. RIP. Thoughts and prayers to his family,” he added.
Here’s what I’ve been told about Aldon Smith passing away today at 36 years old. He was dead on arrival at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California.
The 49ers have since confirmed the news. Smith was one of the most gifted players in the history of the NFL, but also one… https://t.co/XYhh9w7ITD pic.twitter.com/4w3BnhoohJ
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) June 13, 2026
Fox News has more:
Smith made a comeback in 2020 when he successfully applied for reinstatement, and played a full season for the Dallas Cowboys. He started all 16 games, recording 5.0 sacks and 48 tackles.
The next year, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks in April but was released before the season began following another arrest.
No cause of death has been immediately disclosed.
