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Chargers former GM AJ Smith dead at 75, family announces

May 12, 2024

AJ Smith, the winningest general manager in Los Angeles Chargers history, has died, his family announced Sunday. He was 75 years old.

Smith had been battling prostate cancer for several years, his family said in a statement.

“Belying the tough, no-nonsense, no-nonsense personality that is synonymous with a true football guy, it was AJ’s tender side that included an extraordinary love for his family, the NFL, and the Chargers. One of the greatest chapters of “He was an architect.” In the history of our franchise, AJ improved everyone around him with unparalleled focus and intensity, which improved our organization,” said Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board. Dean Spanos said in a statement.

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AJ Smith (Kent C. Horner/Getty Images/File)

“Our thoughts are with his wife Sue, son Kyle, daughter Andrea and the entire Smith family during this difficult time.”

Smith’s NFL journey didn’t start at the top, rising from part-time scout to general manager for the then-San Diego Chargers in 2003.

Smith led the franchise to its best years, winning 98 games in 10 seasons from 2003 to 2012.

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In one of the most infamous moves in NFL Draft history, when Smith took over in 2004, Eli Manning and his father Archie asked the Chargers not to draft him first overall out of Ole Miss. It was time. But Smith did it anyway, orchestrating the trade. He will work with the New York Giants to draft Philip Rivers and acquire more draft picks at the same time.

Smith was planning to use these to draft three-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2005 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Shawne Merriman, and two-time Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kading.

Chargers general manager AJ Smith is shown during training camp on July 31, 2006 in San Diego. (Donald Miral/Getty Images)

Of course, Rivers went on to become the best Chargers quarterback in team history, but Manning ended up winning two Super Bowls with the Giants. Rivers set franchise records with 59,271 yards and 397 touchdown passes during his illustrious tenure with his team.

Smith also called for signing Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates is the franchise’s all-time record holder with 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, and 116 touchdowns.

Smith also hired Norf Turner to replace Marty Schottenheimer as the team’s head coach in 2007. Smith and Schottenheimer didn’t have a great relationship, but Smith knew he needed to make the right hire to get the Chargers on the right track.

Turner compiled a 56-40 record with the Chargers, but with no Super Bowl appearances, Spanos decided to go in a completely different direction and was hired as coach in 2012 when the team went 7-9. and Smith were both fired. However, it was only Smith’s second losing season as GM.