Former Missouri football star Aldon Smith dies at 36

Former star Missouri football player Aldon Smith, who was one of the most impactful edge rushers in program history and the No. 7-overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, died Saturday at the age of 36.

The Kansas City native and Raytown High grad burst onto the scene for the Mizzou defense in 2009 as a redshirt freshman, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors.

In two seasons of on-field action with Missouri, Smith tallied 14.5 sacks and 23.0 tackles for loss. He was a top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers after entering the draft process after his junior year.

The San Francisco 49ers, where Smith had his best seasons of his NFL career, confirmed Smith’s death in a statement.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers wrote in the 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.”

Smith had an outstanding rookie season in San Francisco, finishing second in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting to Von Miller after tallying 14 sacks. He topped that mark with 19.5 sacks in his second season with the 49ers, which earned him first-team All-Pro honors in 2012 and helped take San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance.

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Smith struggled with substance abuse issues and legal troubles for the remainder of his professional career. He played his final game in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

“I am heartbroken to hear about Aldon Smith’s passing. He was one of the most naturally gifted players I coached; could change a game at any moment,” former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel posted to social media on Saturday. “He was an important part of the Mizzou family, and losing him like this leaves a hole in our hearts.

At his core he was a good kid who cared about his teammates, and I will remember his competitiveness and the joy he brought to the game. My thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Former Missouri football star Aldon Smith dies at 36