With no official cause revealed yet around Aldon Smith's sudden passing, a planned examination of his brain is reportedly scheduled to determine whether a degenerative condition long linked to repeated football head trauma may have played a role.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition that can only be diagnosed posthumously. The condition was first identified over two decades ago. Now, Smith's brain is set to be sent for examination for the same reason, as per NFL Insider Adam Schefter's X post today.

"The family of Aldon Smith has decided to send his brain to medical experts in Boston to see if CTE played a role in the former NFL defensive lineman's death," Schefter's X post read.

As questions continue to surround Aldon Smith's tragic passing, his family has reportedly decided to send his brain to medical experts in Boston to determine whether CTE may have played a role.

The former NFL star's family has also hired attorneys to assist in investigating the circumstances surrounding his demise.

"We understand that there is a great deal of interest in and speculation about Aldon Smith's passing ..." attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall said Tuesday in a statement. "...We have taken a number of steps, including sending his brain to Boston, where medical experts will examine it for CTE as well as other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma."

Smith's final NFL chapter came with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, when the former All-Pro attempted a comeback after years away from the league.

What once looked like the beginning of a redemption story, however, ultimately became both the start and end of his last stint after recording an eyebrow-raising 33.5 sacks in his initial two years in the NFL.

Now, just six years later, the football world is mourning after reports of his passing emerged earlier this week.

Among the many wishes, former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho recently sent his wishes to his teammate.

Emmanuel Acho Sends His Love to Aldon Smith

Former NFL pass rusher Aldon Smith passed away at the age of 36 on June 13. According to reports, Smith was found unresponsive in the passenger seat of a truck by his friend and business associate Amir Shirazi.

The sudden and disturbing news prompted a heartfelt response from the 35-year-old.

“I played against him in college. He’s in the same draft class, same position as my brother,” shared Acho on the Speakeasy show. “...It’s heartbreaking and devastating what we are witnessing in the NFL.”

After Aldon Smith was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round in 2011, Emmanuel Acho was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles the next year in the sixth round.

Fast forward to now, and the circumstances around the tragic news remain shrouded in questions.

Smith's friend Amir Shirazi initially believed Smith had fallen asleep, but after noticing him twitching, he immediately called emergency services.

Smith was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, where he was later pronounced.

The sudden tragedy has left former teammates, fans, and the wider NFL community in shock.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Aadesh Dhote

Edited by

Rudra Dubey