The San Francisco 49ers announced the passing of Aldon Smith, 36, on June 13.

"We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith," the 49ers' official statement reads. "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. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon."

Shortly after the 49ers' announcement, the Las Vegas Raiders also mourned Smith's death.

"The Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Aldon Smith, who passed away at the age of 36," the official statement reads. "Aldon played nine games for the Raiders in 2015 as part of a career in which he posted 52.5 sacks in six active seasons. Aldon proudly wore the Silver and Black, was respected by his teammates and will be missed dearly. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Aldon's family at this time."

As of this writing, a cause of death and details surrounding Smith have not been publicly disclosed.

Smith emerged as a generational pass-rushing talent at the University of Missouri before the 49ers selected him seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Kansas City, Missouri native immediately translated that talent into production on Sundays, as he posted 14 sacks across 16 games in his rookie season.

In 2012, his second year with the 49ers, Smith earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors behind 19.5 sacks, 66 tackles (50 solo), 29 quarterback hits, and 18 tackles for loss. He played two more years in San Francisco before joining the Raiders, then still in Oakland, but his struggles finally caught up to him, as thoroughly detailed by ESPN.

The NFL suspended Smith for one year in November 2015 due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. After a series of troubling events and an eventual "indefinite" suspension, he was finally reinstated by the NFL in May 2020. He played 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 season, marking the end of his once promising career.

In May 2024, Smith joined 95.7 The Game and appeared healthy and at peace while opening up about his tumultuous past.

"I was blessed to be able to have those experiences," Smith said. "I know that might sound weird. But for me to be where I am today and have a genuine, authentic conversation and it not be fluff and be in a good place and want to give and share and use my journey — my good things, my mistakes, and everything I've learned — and be able to give that back to people? It means the world."