49ers confirm Aldon Smith’s death

The NFL is mourning Aldon Smith. The former All-Pro linebacker and former first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers has died at the age of 36. The 49ers confirmed his death on Saturday night; no cause of death was initially disclosed.

Smith was drafted seventh overall by San Francisco in 2011 and quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers.

Dominance on the field

Smith made an immediate impact as a rookie with 14 sacks. One year later, he produced his best season with 19.5 sacks and first-team All-Pro honors.

On the field, Smith was an exceptional athlete: explosive, fast, powerful and extremely difficult to control at his peak. His career was later repeatedly overshadowed by off-field issues.

The NFL loses one of the defining pass rushers of his generation.