The family of former NFL star Aldon Smith is donating his brain to the Boston University CTE Center to study the effects of repetitive brain injuries. Smith, 36, died suddenly on Saturday, just hours after delivering pizzas to a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay area. No cause of death has been released, and his family has hired attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to investigate.
Investigation and Brain Donation
“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,” the attorneys said in a statement Tuesday. “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.”
CTE, a degenerative brain disease, can only be diagnosed after death and is more common among athletes in contact sports. Symptoms include depression and mood swings.
Events Surrounding His Death
Smith’s friend, Amir Shirazi, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he found Smith slumped over in the front passenger seat of his car after the former 49ers star had delivered pizzas on Saturday. Smith was taken to the hospital and declared dead.
Former teammate Anthony Dixon wrote on social media: “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.”
Career Highlights and Off-Field Issues
Smith played six NFL seasons for the 49ers, Raiders, and Cowboys. The 49ers drafted him seventh overall in 2011. He reached the NFC title game in his first three seasons and played in one Super Bowl. In his rookie year, he recorded 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. In 2012, he had 19.5 sacks—a 49ers franchise record—and 29 quarterback hits, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as the 49ers reached the Super Bowl.
However, off-field issues hindered his career, including multiple DUI arrests and a 2013 arrest on felony charges for possessing illegal assault weapons. The 49ers released him in 2015 after a DUI, hit-and-run, and vandalism arrest. He faced multiple NFL suspensions for violating personal conduct and substance abuse policies. After a final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, he retired in 2023.
Tributes
The 49ers paid tribute to Smith on Saturday. “We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the team said. “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.”
