The NFL community mourned the passing of former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith, whose death was reported in June 2026. Smith played six years in the NFL, spending his final active season with the Cowboys in 2020. A first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, Smith was once regarded as one of the most dominant pass-rushers in football, recording 33.5 sacks in his first three seasons — a remarkable pace that put him on a trajectory toward superstardom.
Smith’s career was marked by both extraordinary talent and significant personal challenges off the field. He was candid in interviews about his struggles with substance abuse and the difficulties of life after football. CBS Sports’ John Breech reported that Smith had spoken candidly about his post-football journey before his death, reflecting on his life experiences with remarkable openness. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and NFL figures who remembered his talent and his humanity. Smith was a reminder of the complex realities that many professional athletes face beyond the playing field.
Source: DallasCowboys.com, CBS Sports – June 2026
