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Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has died at age 36.He played eight seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the news early Saturday evening.The team said it was “devastated by the sudden and tragic passing” of Smith, who emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant young pass rushers after being selected seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.No cause of death was released.Before reaching the NFL, Smith starred at the University of Missouri.He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was named Missouri’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2010.”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.”Professionally, he was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2011 and was an All-Pro in 2012, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl that year. He was the fastest player in league history to record his 30th career sack in just 27 games. Smith wrapped up his professional career in 2021 with a total of 185 solo tackles and 58 sacks.
Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has died at age 36.
He played eight seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
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Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the news early Saturday evening.
The team said it was “devastated by the sudden and tragic passing” of Smith, who emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant young pass rushers after being selected seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
No cause of death was released.
Before reaching the NFL, Smith starred at the University of Missouri.
He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was named Missouri’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2010.
“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.”
Professionally, he was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2011 and was an All-Pro in 2012, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl that year.
He was the fastest player in league history to record his 30th career sack in just 27 games. Smith wrapped up his professional career in 2021 with a total of 185 solo tackles and 58 sacks.
