Aldon Smith during a recent interview.

Former NFL star Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers announced on Saturday.

The team did not disclose the cause of death.

Smith was selected by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers.

In a statement, the team said it was “devastated by the sudden and tragic passing” of the former defensive end.

“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization,” the team said.

“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into.”

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

The 49ers extended their condolences to Smith’s family, friends, and former teammates.

Smith enjoyed one of the most impressive starts to an NFL career in recent memory. He recorded 14 sacks during his rookie season and finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

In 2012, Smith registered 19.5 sacks, still a San Francisco franchise record, while earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

He played a key role in helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII and three consecutive NFC Championship Games.

Over six NFL seasons, Smith played for the 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.

Despite his extraordinary talent, Smith’s career was repeatedly interrupted by off-field issues.

He faced multiple arrests and was suspended several times by the NFL for violations of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.

The 49ers released Smith in 2015 following an arrest involving allegations of DUI, hit-and-run, and vandalism.

After several attempts to revive his career, Smith returned to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

That season ultimately proved to be the final chapter of his playing career as he formally announced his retirement in 2023. He finished his NFL career with 52.5 sacks.

He recently appeared for a YouTube interview where he discussed his problems with mental health.

Last week, Aldon Smith was on Laced Up talking about his life and career. You could tell right away he was struggling. Mental health matters.https://t.co/sI58KjhVeW

— (@TylerTalksBall) June 13, 2026

During his prime, many observers viewed Smith as one of the most feared pass rushers in football.

His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness made him one of the league’s most disruptive defensive players.

No further details regarding his death have been released.

Ben Kew is a writer and editor. Originally from the UK, he moved to the U.S. to cover Congress for Breitbart News and has since gone on to editorial roles at Human Events, Townhall Media, and Americano Media. He has also written for The Epoch Times, The Western Journal, and The Spectator.

You can email Ben Kew here, and read more of Ben Kew's articles here.

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