The San Francisco 49ers announced on Saturday that former All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36. The team did not disclose a cause of death. In a statement, the 49ers expressed devastation over the “sudden and tragic passing,” noting that Smith was remembered for his “undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field” and his “infectious smile.” Smith was drafted by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick out of the University of Missouri in 2011. He made an immediate impact, helping the team reach three consecutive NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance during his first three seasons. According to The Lufkin Daily News, Smith recorded 14 sacks as a rookie and set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks in 2012, a season in which he was named a First-Team All-Pro. The New York Times reported that he finished his four seasons with the 49ers with 152 tackles and 44.0 sacks in 50 games. Smith’s professional career was marked by significant off-field issues and multiple NFL suspensions for substance abuse and personal conduct violations. He was released by the 49ers in 2015 following an arrest for driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and vandalism. He subsequently signed with the Oakland Raiders, appearing in nine games in 2015 before facing several years of suspensions. Smith was eventually reinstated in 2020 and played 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded five sacks. Prior to his NFL career, Smith was a standout at Missouri, where he was named the 2009 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He finished his NFL career with 52.5 sacks in 75 games. According to The New York Times, Smith attended a 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara just last week to speak with the team’s rookies.