The sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith has left many in shock, as stated by his former team. His undeniable talent was evident from the start, showcasing an exceptional rookie season that stands out in NFL history. Aside from his skills on the field, Aldon was known for his infectious smile, brightening the rooms he entered. The organization extends heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.
Drafted in 2011 as the seventh overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, Smith had one of the most explosive starts for a defensive player in NFL history. In his rookie year, he managed to record 14 sacks as a situational pass rusher.
In his second year, Smith set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks, earning All-Pro honors and helping his team reach Super Bowl XLVII. Remarkably, he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 30 career sacks, doing so in just 27 games, breaking the record previously held by Reggie White.
However, his career faced challenges. In 2013, he voluntarily entered rehab and missed five games. The following year, he was suspended for nine games due to violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
In 2015, following his third DUI arrest, the 49ers released Smith. A month later, he joined the Oakland Raiders, playing in nine games before being suspended for a year. Due to ongoing legal and personal issues, he faced a four-season suspension from the NFL.
Smith sought reinstatement in 2020, which was granted, and he played a full season with the Dallas Cowboys, starting in all 16 games, recording five sacks and 48 tackles.
