San FranciscoAP —
Aldon Smith, the troubled but talented pass rusher whose promising career was derailed by legal problems, has died at age 36.
The San Francisco 49ers announced Smith’s death on Saturday night. The team did not disclose a cause of death.
“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.”
Smith was drafted by the 49ers with the 11th overall pick out of Missouri in 2011 and made an immediate impact on the team, helping San Francisco snap a playoff drought and reach the NFC title game his first three seasons with one trip to a Super Bowl.
