Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith died Saturday at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers said. The team did not disclose the cause of death.

Smith played six seasons in the NFL for the 49ers, the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.

The 49ers, who selected him with the seventh overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, confirmed Smith’s death in a statement. Smith helped the team to three consecutive NFC championship games.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers 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.”

Smith recorded 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits in his rookie campaign and was second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

In 2012, his second season, he had 19.5 sacks – still a 49ers franchise record – and 29 quarterback hits in the best campaign of his career, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as the 49ers reached the Super Bowl.

But off-field issues slowed his career, including multiple arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence and an arrest in 2013 on felony charges of possessing illegal assault weapons. He was released by the 49ers in 2015 after an arrest for DUI, hit-and-run and vandalism.

He was suspended multiple times by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. After playing a final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, he formally announced his retirement in 2023.