Former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith dies at age 36

Former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith died Saturday, June 14, 2026, in the Bay Area at the age of 36. Smith played six seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys after being selected seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. No cause of death was provided; the 49ers confirmed his passing and released a statement mourning his loss, noting his standout rookie season of 14 sacks and his career-best 19.5 sacks in 2012.