Former NFL star Aldon Smith has passed away at the age of 36. He was found unresponsive by his friend, Amir Shirazi, on June 13, 2026. Smith had been delivering pizzas to a charity for homeless individuals before his death. After completing the delivery, both men drove back to Shirazi's home. Shirazi stepped inside briefly, but when he returned to the truck, he discovered Smith slumped over and unresponsive.
Final Interview Before Passing
Just days before his death, Smith appeared on the Laced Up podcast hosted by professional barber Tee Maultsby. During the interview, the former defensive end shared a heartbreaking account of his life after football. He had announced his retirement from the NFL in 2023.
Post-Football Struggles
Smith moved to Texas after retiring, uncertain about his future. He completed his education and briefly worked out at sports facilities for players transitioning out of the league. However, he found himself feeling negative and eventually quit. He then took a job with a roofing company, going door-to-door selling roof packages. The experience was humbling but did not last long.
Reflecting on his career, Smith said, "My career didn't end with... It didn't have the ending it maybe should have. I wasn't proud of how things ended." He recounted a series of setbacks: another DUI, financial ruin, a broken heart, and overwhelming adversity. He moved back to Texas with nothing but plastic bins of clothes.
Road to Recovery
Smith realized he needed to rebuild his life. He stayed at the Extended Stay in Frisco, trying to figure out his path. He ruled out coaching or announcing, wanting to explore other interests. However, the transition from a locker room environment to solitary life in an unfamiliar city was daunting. He struggled with the loss of a relationship and the shame of his last DUI, which required an ankle monitor as a reminder to stop drinking.
A friend from rehab helped him get an interview in the roofing industry, leading to a job. But Smith admitted he was not a good salesman, disliking door-to-door interactions and dealing with ego adjustments. Despite the challenges, he was determined to put his life back together.
Smith's untimely death has shocked the sports world. He leaves behind a legacy of on-field brilliance and off-field struggles that he openly shared in his final days.
