NFL news: Aldon Smith’s family getting his brain examined for CTE after tragic death

It was a tragic death for former NFL linebacker Aldon Smith, but his final days included trying to help others. Smith’s family decided to get his brain examined for CTE, according to NBC Sports.

“Via a press release issued Tuesday morning by Wukela Communication, Smith’s family has retained Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall,” Mike Florio wrote. “The attorneys released the following statement:”

“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. To that end, we have taken a number of steps including sending his brain to Boston where medical experts will examine it for CTE as well as other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma.”

Aldon Smith had a great NFL start with 49ers

The 49ers selected Smith in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Missouri. He was the seventh overall pick. Eventual Pro Bowl standouts Cam Newton, Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, AJ Green, Patrick Peterson, and Julio Jones went in front of Smith.

Smith made an immediate impact. He finished second in the AP defensive rookie of the year voting behind Ravens’ star Terrell Suggs. Smith totaled 14 sacks.

He followed up with 19.5 sacks in 2012. That earned him first-team NFL All-Pro honors. Things looked extremely bright for his career.

But off-the-field issues hurt his career. He started only 21 games over the next three seasons. And he didn’t play from 2016-19 because of suspension. Smith returned for one season in 2020, recording five sacks for the Cowboys and starting 16 games.

The 49ers issued a statement about Smith’s passing, according to NFL.com.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers said in a statement. “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 … Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into.”

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