Former San Francisco 49ers star Aldon Smith died at the age of 36, the team announced in a statement on June 13.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” read the Niners’ post shared on X.
Advertisement
The 36-year-old hadn’t played in the league since the 2020 season, his first and only with the Dallas Cowboys. At the height of his game, Smith was a game-wrecker who totaled 33.5 sacks in his first 32 games in the league. Substance abuse issues derailed Smith’s career, which led to him being away from the league from 2016 to 2019.
Smith had faded from the spotlight after his NFL career, but struggled financially and recently returned to the Bay Area, a friend told the San Francisco Chronicle in the wake of Smith’s passing.
On his final day, Smith was delivering pizzas to a charity for homeless people. Here’s what we know about what happened to the former NFL star.
Aldon Smith cause of death
No cause for Smith’s death was announced.
Advertisement
Michelle Jorden, Santa Clara county’ chief medical examiner, told the San Francisco Chronicle in a statement that the cause of death is under investigation.
“The Office of the Medical Examiner is confirming the death of 36-year-old Aldon Jacarus Ramon Smith, who died today June 13, 2026,” Jorden wrote in a statement. “The Medical Examiner is investigating his death, and no further information is available at this time. The cause and manner of death are pending.”
What happened to Aldon Smith?
Smith was found unresponsive by a friend on Saturday morning, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
A friend, Amir Shirazi, had been helping Smith deliver a donation of pizzas to a charity for homeless people before his passing. Shirazi and Smith drove back to Shirazi’s home following the delivery. Shirazi stepped inside and when he returned to the truck, that’s when he found Smith slumped over and unresponsive.
Advertisement
“He was perfectly fine an hour before,” Shirazi said told the Chronicle. “I came out and he was basically dead in my front seat. I’m just in shock.”
Smith was officially pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, less than an hour later. Shirazi believes his friend’s death was due to natural causes, but doesn’t know for certain.
Shirazi said that his friend was struggling financially and bounced around to friends’ homes while he waited for his NFL pension to kick in. According to the NFL, a player can start receiving a pension at age 55. Smith was 36.
Despite a history of substance abuse, Shirazi said he hadn’t seen Smith use drugs on the day of his death and he only smoked marijuana occasionally through the years.
Advertisement
“He was a very sweet, caring, loving giant,” Shirazi said. “That if you really knew him, you’d know who he truly is.”
Aldon Smith age
Aldon Smith was born on Sept. 25, 1989. He was 36 years old when he died.
Aldon Smith stats
Smith played six seasons in the NFL, appearing in 75 regular season games. He finished his career with 52.5 sacks, 228 total tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 103 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles and an interception.
He also played in eight playoff games, where he totaled 5.5 sacks, 20 total tackles, 15 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
Aldon Smith college
Smith attended the University of Missouri prior to being selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Advertisement
He played two seasons for the Tigers, totaling 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 79 total tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in 23 career games.
Aldon Smith career earnings
Smith’s career earnings are somewhat disputed, depending on where you look. According to Spotrac, Smith made $24,009,157 in his career while OverTheCap has him at $19,507,286.
What teams did Aldon Smith play for?
Smith appeared in games with three different teams during his NFL career:
-
Oakland Raiders (2015): 9 games
-
Dallas Cowboys (2020): 16 games
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happened to Aldon Smith? Cause of death under investigation
Read the full article here
