Former NFL star Aldon Smith, whose career was marred by controversies, has died suddenly at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers announced on Saturday.
Smith, who was previously banned from the NFL amid a string of alcohol-related arrests, passed away at the weekend. No cause of death is yet known.
‘We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,’ the franchise, who drafted Smith in the 2011 NFL Draft, shared.
‘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.’
Smith was drafted by San Francisco with the seventh-overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, going on to start in Super Bowl XLVII with the team.
Former NFL star Aldon Smith, whose career was marred by controversies, has died at 36
He finished second for the defensive rookie of the year award in 2011, and he was a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2012.
However, his career on the field was blemished by a series of scandals, including multiple arrests for DUI.
Smith had no fewer than four DUI arrests since being drafted by the 49ers in 2011, and voluntarily went to a treatment facility in 2013.
He was also transferred to an inpatient rehab center following a domestic violence arrest in 2018. Smith was last arrested for drunk driving in 2019.
He first served a nine-game suspension in 2014 while still with the 49ers for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
More to follow.
