Smith's Mentorship Legacy Extends Beyond His Playing Career
Smith launched a youth athlete mentorship initiative in 2024 before his death.
Event / Health
Aldon Smith Death CTE Investigation
Former NFL linebacker Aldon Smith died on June 13, 2026 at age 36. His family is investigating whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) contributed to his death, with his brain being examined at Boston University's CTE Center. Smith had a notable NFL career with 52.5 sacks but was marked by off-field incidents and suspensions.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Jun, 02:33 UTC
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What happened
Aldon Smith launched mentorship initiative for young athletes in 2024
In 2024, Aldon Smith began an initiative called "I.M. Loading" to help young athletes adjust to the pressures and pitfalls of high-profile professional sports. The project aimed to offer mentorship and recovery coaching for those who had endured similar life challenges.
Aldon Smith recorded 14 sacks as NFL rookie in 2011
As a rookie in 2011, Aldon Smith recorded 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits for the San Francisco 49ers, finishing second in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He was drafted by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick out of the University of Missouri.
Aldon Smith posts franchise-record 19.5 sacks in 2012 season
In the 2012 season, Aldon Smith recorded 19.5 sacks and 29 quarterback hits for the San Francisco 49ers, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. His 19.5 sacks set a 49ers franchise single-season record that still stands.
Aldon Smith's family hires attorneys to investigate death
Aldon Smith's family hired attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to investigate the circumstances of his death. The attorneys, who specialize in civil rights cases, stated they are investigating all aspects of the tragedy, including the potential role CTE may have played. The family released a statement requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Aldon Smith suffered numerous concussions during NFL career
According to his family, Aldon Smith suffered numerous concussions throughout his NFL career. CTE is a rare, progressive degenerative brain disease that affects people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries, typically associated with those in military combat or contact sports such as boxing and football. The only way to definitively diagnose CTE is after death during an autopsy of the brain.
Former NFL linebacker Aldon Smith dies at age 36
Aldon Smith, a former NFL linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks, died at age 36 on Saturday, June 13. No official cause of death was announced. Smith died hours after delivering pizzas to a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay area. His friend Amir Shirazi found him unresponsive in a vehicle and called 911. He was declared dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose approximately one hour later.
Study finds 34% of former NFL players believe they have CTE
A study published in September 2024 found that approximately 34% of former professional football players believe they have CTE, as they experienced health problems associated with it. Researchers are continuing efforts to develop a test for CTE prior to death, but there are currently no such diagnostic advances available.
Aldon Smith finished career with 52.5 sacks in 75 games
Over his NFL career spanning multiple teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks, Aldon Smith finished with 52.5 sacks in 75 regular-season games. He was initially suspended from the NFL from 2016 to 2019 due to substance abuse violations before being conditionally reinstated in May 2020.
Aldon Smith's family sends brain to Boston for CTE examination
Aldon Smith's family decided to donate his brain to the Boston University CTE Center for medical examination to investigate whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) played a role in his death. Medical experts in Boston will examine the brain for CTE and other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma suffered during his NFL career.
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Aldon Smith's Elite Career Marked by Dominant Defensive Play
Smith accumulated 52.5 sacks in 75 NFL games, highlighted by a franchise-record 19.5-sack 2012 season.
NFL Star's Brain Sent for CTE Examination After Death
Former NFL linebacker Aldon Smith's brain undergoes CTE examination following his death at 36.