What is the Reason For Aldon Smith’s Sudden Death at 36?

Former 49ers, Cowboys, Raiders and Seahawks DE Aldon Smith passed away at the age of 36.

What is the Reason For Aldon Smith’s Sudden Death at 36?

Aldon Smith (Image via CBS Sports)

Aldon Smith, a former NFL defensive end, died Saturday, June 13, in the Bay Area. He was 36. Smith started his NFL journey with the San Francisco 49ers. The team announced the news of his death on X.

[The San Francisco 49ers] are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith… 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.

the 49ers tweeted

Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, the cause of Aldon Smith’s death is undisclosed. According to Chat Sports NFL insider Chase Senior, Smith was dead on arrival at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California.

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Aldon Smith’s football journey

Smith, a native of San Jose, California, played college football for the University of Missouri Tigers for three seasons. The San Francisco 49ers drafted Smith seventh overall in 2011. Smith registered 43.5 sacks in four years with the Niners.

What is the Reason For Aldon Smith's Sudden Death at 36?
#99 Aldon Smith (Image via CBS Sports)

In 2015, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). Three seasons and nine games later, he left the AFC West franchise and returned to the NFC. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys, played 16 games, recorded 48 tackles, and 5 sacks.

The Cowboys released Smith after just one year. He signed a deal to play for the Seattle Seahawks, but never suited up for them. Appearing on the “I Am Athlete” podcast in 2023, Smith announced his retirement from the NFL.

Difficult life of Aldon Smith

Scouts and analysts viewed Smith as a top talent. He justified their words by registering 33.5 sacks (fastest player ever to reach 30 sacks) in his first two seasons in the league.

However, Smith’s honeymoon period ended when the police arrested him for the first time in 2012 on DUI charges. In the following years, he was arrested nine more times for various reasons, including reckless driving, arguing with a TSA agent at the Los Angeles Airport (2014), who alleged he was carrying a bomb.

In 2015, he was arrested in Santa Clara, California, for an alleged hit-and-run. In 2017, the police arrested him once again for driving under the influence, even though his friend was driving the vehicle.

A year later, in 2018, a woman filed a complaint against Smith for biting her on the wrist after consuming bottles of Tequilla. A court ordered Smith to stay away from the woman. He later pleaded not guilty on four misdemeanor counts, including domestic violence, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, false imprisonment, and vandalism.

In 2019, Missouri police arrested Smith on suspicion of DUI. Two years later, in 2021, Smith posted a $25,000 bond after the St. Parish Office arrested him for second-degree battery. He was arrested in San Mateo County for driving under the influence. In 2023, a court handed him a one-year jail sentence after he pleaded no contest to a felony charge stemming from this incident.

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