A devastating news is coming from the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room about the sudden demise of ‌former linebacker Aldon Smith at the age of 36, as reported by ESPN.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers said in a statement announcing Smith’s passing. “Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the…having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen.”

The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the news that the former LB passed away on June 13, 2026. The news has left the NFL community mourning the loss of a star talent. 

Born on September 25, 1989, Smith completed his high school from Raytown, where he later joined the University of Missouri from 2008 to 2010 to lay the foundation of his professional collegiate football. 

In the redshirt freshman season, he scored 60 tackles and 11 sacks for the Tigers, emerging as an elite pass-rushing force. 

Smith was also named ‌the 2009 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.

The San Francisco 49ers selected the Greenwood-born Smith in the 2011 NFL draft as a seventh pick out of Missouri.

He faced more difficulties from the law and the judicial system rather than on the gridiron. 

After his draft with the 49ers, they eventually released him with immediate effect in 2015 amid several arrests during his tenure with the franchise. 

Later in his career, he joined the Oakland Raiders, which also resulted in the same fate. He faced four seasons of suspension for violating the NFL’s policy and multiple infractions.

At last, the star LB joined the Cowboys in 2020, where he decided to hang up his cleats.

Aldon Smith’s Impactful Run With the San Francisco 49ers

Amid multiple legal battles, Smith played four seasons with the 49ers, where he helped them in three consecutive NFC Championships. 

During his time with the 49ers, Smith appeared in 50 games and registered 152 tackles. He also earned ‌First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections and finished with 44.0 sacks.

When focusing strictly on his production on the field, Smith was among the league's most disruptive pass rushers during his peak years.

Separating him from the legal complications, he had a good run with respect to football. At his time with the Raiders, he appeared in nine games, where he recorded 21 solo tackles, among which eight were QB hits. 

Later in his career with the Cowboys, he maintained his economy and played in 16 games, recording 31 solo tackles and scoring the league’s highest 78 yards covered in fumbles.  

Regardless of the challenges that surrounded his career, Smith's impact between the lines remains undeniable. 

His athleticism, pass-rushing ability, and role in the 49ers' championship runs ensured that his football legacy will not be forgotten by those who watched him play.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker