Former San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Aldon Smith has died, as the team confirmed the tragic news on June 13. Smith, who was 36 years old, played for the Niners from 2011 to 2014 after being drafted seventh overall in 2011.
During his four seasons in the Bay Area, Smith had 120 solo tackles, 32 assists, 44.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and one interception in 50 games for the 49ers in his career, per StatMuse. As part of confirming the news, the 49ers issued a statement.
“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.”
After his time with the 49ers ended, Smith went on to play for the then-Oakland Raiders from 2015 to 2017, Dallas Cowboys in 2020, and Seattle Seahawks in 2021, which was his final NFL season.
Aldon Smith’s Dominant First Two Seasons With the Niners
Nonetheless, Smith’s best years were with the Niners, and one of his best games for San Francisco came on November 19, 2012, when he recorded 5.5 sacks against the Chicago Bears, per StatMuse.
Moreover, Smith had 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons in the league. Smith also recorded two or more sacks in a game on 13 occasions, showing dominance during a two-year run with San Francisco.
As part of his rookie season, in which Smith recorded 14 sacks, he surpassed Charles Haley for the 49ers record for most sacks by a rookie in a single season with 13.0 sacks.
49ers Beat Reports React to the News of Aldon Smith’s Death
The news of Smith’s death prompted a post from David Lombardi, who covers the 49ers for the San Francisco Standard, sharing his thoughts on the former Niners pass rusher. Furthermore, Lombardi put a spotlight on how dominant Smith was at getting to the quarterback for the Niners in his first two seasons.
“Aldon Smith was one of the most talented pass rushers to ever step onto an NFL field,” Lombardi wrote on X on June 13. “He notched 33.5 sacks over just his first two seasons — the most in league history. That was such a spectacular stretch of football from such a gifted player.”
Meanwhile, another Niners reporter shared his thoughts on Smith’s passing. In a June 13 video on X, 49ers on SI’s Grant Cohn reacted to the team confirming the death of their former pass rusher.
“Aldon Smith passed away today,” Cohn said. He was 36 years old. The 49ers just confirmed this in a statement. Smith arrived at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose dead on arrival. No details have come out yet about how he passed away. This is extremely tragic. He was one of the best players I’ve ever covered.”
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