Jim Harbaugh pays tribute to Aldon Smith following his death
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 7:43 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers head coach and former 49ers coach, honored Aldon Smith after the edge rusher's death on June 13 at age 36. Harbaugh, who drafted Smith in 2011, described him as a 'wonderful person' and deeply mourned his passing. Smith faced substantial challenges, including substance abuse issues that affected his NFL career, which included severe disciplinary actions and a final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. The cause of death has not been publicly detailed; tributes continue to emerge from the football community.
- •Aldon Smith died on June 13, 2026, at 36 years old.
- •Jim Harbaugh praised Smith as a great friend and teammate.
- •Smith recorded 52.5 sacks in six NFL seasons.
- •He faced an indefinite suspension in 2015 due to substance abuse.
- •Smith's last NFL season was with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
- 7:43 PMYahoo Sports — Former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh on Aldon Smith's death: 'Wonderful person'
"Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh coached Aldon Smith in their 49ers days. He paid tribute to Smith after the edge rusher's death.
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