Aldon Smith, a former linebacker on the San Francisco 49ers, has died, the team announced Saturday.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the team wrote in a statement. “Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
The cause of Smith’s death was not immediately available. Smith was 36-years-old.
Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2011 as the seventh overall pick. During his four years with the team, he played in 50 games where he registered 152 tackles, 44 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery, according to the team.
As a rookie in 2011, Smith registered a team-high of 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie in a single season in the history of the National Football League. He received NFL All-Pro honors in 2012 and Pro Bowl selection in 2013.
“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 wrote.
Smith also played for the Oakland Raiders in 2015.
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn the loss of Aldon Smith, who passed away at the age of 36,” the Las Vegas Raiders said in a statement on social media.
“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into,” the 49ers wrote.
