Former NFL Star Aldon Smith’s Family to Donate Brain for CTE Research Following Sudden Death at 36
The family of former NFL standout defensive end Aldon Smith has announced they will donate his brain to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center to research the long-term effects of repetitive brain injuries. The announcement comes in the wake of Smith’s sudden death on Saturday at the age of 36. Smith passed away unexpectedly just hours after volunteering at a local charity, where he delivered pizzas to a homeless shelter in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Because no official cause of death has been released, Smith’s family has retained a high-profile legal team—including civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall—to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Selected seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith immediately established himself as one of the league's most dominant pass-rushers. He recorded an astonishing 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2012 and helping spearhead the 49ers' defense during their run to Super Bowl XLVII. However, his immense on-field talent was frequently overshadowed by off-field struggles. Throughout his career, which also included stints with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, Smith faced multiple league suspensions related to substance abuse and legal issues. Despite these challenges, those close to him noted his commitment to personal growth and community service, which he championed up until his final hours.
In a statement mourning his passing, the San Francisco 49ers organization expressed their condolences, remembering the impact he made during his tenure in the Bay Area: "His smile lit up every room, and we will always cherish the memories of his time with us."
By donating Smith’s brain to the Boston University CTE Center, his family hopes to contribute to the medical community's understanding of brain trauma in contact sports. The BU CTE Center has been a pioneer in identifying the degenerative disease, which is linked to memory loss, depression, and impulsive behavior in former athletes and can currently only be diagnosed posthumously. Through this donation and the ongoing legal inquiry, Smith’s family seeks to find clarity regarding his untimely death while fostering a legacy of advocacy for player safety.