On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced that former edge rusher Aldon Smith had passed away at just 36 years old.
Immediately after the news broke, many in the NFL world reacted and paid tribute to the former star.
NFL World Remembers Aldon Smith
The 49ers announced the tragic news and released a statement celebrating Smith’s life.
“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,” the 49ers posted on X.
“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.”
The 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 13, 2026
Many other voices around the NFL world reacted as well.
“Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Aldon Smith, who has passed away at the age of 36. Gone too soon,” wrote former Pro Bowl QB Robert Griffin III.
Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Aldon Smith, who has passed away at the age of 36. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/AtSj6SwoOx
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 13, 2026
Shelby Harris of the New York Giants, a fellow defensive lineman, simply tweeted: “#RIP”
— Shelby Harris (@ShelbyHarris93) June 13, 2026
“What???? At Just 36 years old man?? This is heartbreaking,” wrote former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho. “I didn’t know him personally, but one of the most talented young Pass Rushers in NFL history. He still holds the record for most sacks in a players first 2 seasons. Heartbreaking on every level.”
What???? At Just 36 years old man?? This is heartbreaking.
I didn’t know him personally, but one of the most talented young Pass Rushers in NFL history. He still holds the record for most sacks in a players first 2 seasons. Heartbreaking on every level 💔
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) June 13, 2026
Several NFL analysts chimed in as well, including PFN’s Jacob Infante.
“Gutted to hear that former 49ers and Mizzou star Aldon Smith has passed away at just 36 years old.I had the chance to speak with him in 2024 about his life after football. He seemed to be in a great place and was mentoring NFL rookies on their adjustment to the league. RIP”
Gutted to hear that former 49ers and Mizzou star Aldon Smith has passed away at just 36 years old.
I had the chance to speak with him in 2024 about his life after football. He seemed to be in a great place and was mentoring NFL rookies on their adjustment to the league. RIP
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) June 13, 2026
“RIP Aldon Smith, who was one of my favorite pass-rushers to watch during his career. Prayers to him and his family,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote alongside his career highlights.
RIP Aldon Smith, who was one of my favorite pass-rushers to watch during his career. Prayers to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/je2eLMtQ5P
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 13, 2026
Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2011, the first year of the Jim Harbaugh era in San Francisco. During his tenure in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014, Smith had 44 total sacks. During his sophomore year, Smith posted a whopping 19.5 sacks.
He played a key role on the 49ers team that advanced to Super Bowl XLVII, where San Francisco ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2015, Smith joined the then-Oakland Raiders after he was released from the 49ers due to off-field issues. Smith had only 3.5 sacks with the Raiders, and then he was suspended from the NFL from 2016 to 2019. He returned to the league with Dallas Cowboys in 2020, posting 5 sacks.
Smith is gone too soon at 36 years old, and our thoughts are with his loved ones and those in the NFL world who are mourning his loss.