The San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Saturday the death of former linebacker Aldon Smith at the age of 36. The team did not reveal a cause of death in its statement, which described Smith as a dominant talent who was remembered for his “infectious smile.” Smith was selected by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Missouri. He played four seasons with the 49ers, where he helped the team reach three consecutive NFC Championship Games, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. During his time in San Francisco, he recorded 152 tackles and 44.0 sacks in 50 regular-season games. In his rookie year, he registered 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie in a single season since 1982. He followed that with a franchise-record 19.5 sacks in 2012, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Smith’s career was marked by significant off-field issues and multiple NFL suspensions. He was arrested several times between 2012 and 2021 for charges including driving under the influence (DUI), domestic violence, and possession of illegal weapons. He was suspended in 2014 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and was released by the 49ers in 2015 following a DUI arrest. After a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders, he was suspended for four seasons before returning to the league with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. Smith retired in 2023 after playing 75 regular-season games in his career. According to the BBC, he finished his career with 228 tackles, 52.5 sacks, and 103 quarterback hits. The New York Times reported that Smith attended a 49ers practice facility just last week to speak with the team’s rookies.