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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Aldon Smith, whose six-year NFL career was interrupted by a series of troubling off-field incidents, has died. He was 36.
The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith with the seventh pick of the 2011 draft out of the University of Missouri, announced Smith's passing on June 13.
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"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. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
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According to NBC’s Bonta Hill, Smith had spoken to the 49ers’ rookies at the team facility in Santa Clara last week.
Smith played his first four seasons (2011-14) in San Francisco. He finished second in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2011. In 2012, Smith made his only Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams after he compiled 19.5 sacks, one interception and 66 tackles (50 solo) in 16 games.
In his prime, Smith teamed with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman to give the 49ers one of the NFL's most fearsome linebacker units.
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But a series of off-the-field incidents ended Smith's time in San Francisco and put his promising career on pause.
Smith was released by the 49ers in August 2015 following a DUI arrest — his fifth arrest in a span of three years. He quickly signed with the Oakland Raiders.
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However, in November 2015, Smith was suspended one year by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy. He applied for reinstatement a year later but was denied, and ultimately missed the 2016 and 2017 seasons because of the violation.
After he was the subject of a domestic violence allegation, the Raiders released Smith on March 5, 2018.
Smith resurfaced with the Cowboys in 2020 and played all 16 games in his final NFL season. He finished his career with 228 tackles, 52.5 sacks, and one interception.
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