The football world is still reeling from the sudden loss of Aldon Smith, the former All-Pro pass rusher who died at just 36 years old last weekend in the Bay Area. But what makes this tragedy even more bewildering is that Smith was reportedly in peak physical condition leading up to his death.
According to Tee Maultsby, Smith's longtime barber and host of the 'Laced Up' podcast, the ex-49ers star looked like he could still dominate on the field just days before he passed. 'We spoke with Tee Maultsby — Aldon’s barber who interviewed him on an episode of his podcast — said he even joked with Aldon recently that the dude still looked like he could dominate on the defensive side of the ball,' TMZ reported. Maultsby added that Smith never mentioned any health issues and was actively turning his life around in recent months.
Smith's career was a whirlwind of brilliance and turbulence. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, he exploded onto the scene with 19.5 sacks in his second season, earning All-Pro honors and helping lead a dominant defense. Over his time with the 49ers, Cowboys, and Raiders, he amassed 228 tackles, 81 quarterback hits, 52.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. His rookie year is still considered one of the best in NFL history.
But off the field, Smith battled personal demons that led to multiple suspensions and stints away from the game. In the wake of his death, his family is seeking answers. Attorneys for the Smith family announced they will send his brain to the Boston University CTE Center for examination, aiming to determine if chronic traumatic encephalopathy played a role. '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,' attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall said in a statement.
Smith's barber revealed that the former star had big plans for the next chapter of his life. He wanted to become a mental health advocate, using his own story to help others. That ambition adds another layer of sorrow to an already heartbreaking situation.
The 49ers organization released a heartfelt statement, saying, '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.'
Smith's death has sparked conversations about the toll football takes on its players, both physically and mentally. The decision to test his brain for CTE echoes the growing awareness around brain injuries in sports, similar to the legal probe launched by his family to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, fans have been paying tribute to his legacy, remembering the electrifying player who once terrorized quarterbacks.
At just 36, Smith was seemingly on the verge of a new beginning. His passing leaves a void in the NFL community, with many left wondering what could have been. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring his memory and supporting those who loved him.
