The family of former NFL star Aldon Smith is donating his brain to the Boston University CTE Center to investigate the effects of repetitive brain injuries. Smith, who was 36, passed away suddenly on Saturday, just hours after he had delivered pizzas to a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay area. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the family has engaged attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to probe the circumstances surrounding his death.
Family Seeks Answers Through CTE Research
In a statement released on Tuesday, the attorneys said: “As with anyone who dies so suddenly at such a young age, we understand that there is a great deal of interest in and speculation about Aldon Smith’s passing and we intend to get to the bottom of it. To that end, we have taken a number of steps including sending his brain to Boston where medical experts will examine it for CTE as well as other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma. In the meantime we simply ask you to keep Aldon’s family in our prayers and respect their privacy as they struggle to come to grips with this terrible loss.”
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that can only be diagnosed post-mortem. It is more prevalent among athletes in contact sports compared to the general population, with symptoms including depression and mood swings.
Details of Smith's Final Day
Smith’s friend, Amir Shirazi, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he discovered Smith slumped over in the front passenger seat of his car after the former San Francisco 49ers star had completed a pizza delivery for a homeless charity on Saturday. Smith was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
His former teammate, Anthony Dixon, paid tribute on social media, writing: “He was a creative mind, so smart, so fierce, so real, so powerful, his presence, his passion and his aura meant a lot to me as a brother and I wish I could’ve did more to help him and pray to God he doesn’t have to hurt anymore.”
A Promising Career Derailed by Off-Field Issues
Smith played six seasons in the NFL for the 49ers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Dallas Cowboys. He was selected seventh overall by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL draft and helped the team reach the NFC title game in each of his first three seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance. In his rookie year, he recorded 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His second season was his best, with 19.5 sacks—still a 49ers franchise record—and 29 quarterback hits, earning him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as the 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl.
However, his career was marred by off-field incidents, including multiple arrests for driving under the influence, a 2013 arrest on felony charges for possessing illegal assault weapons, and a 2015 arrest for DUI, hit-and-run, and vandalism, which led to his release from the 49ers. He faced multiple suspensions from the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. After playing his final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, Smith formally announced his retirement in 2023.
49ers Pay Tribute
The 49ers released a statement on Saturday expressing their grief: “We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith. 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.”
