Aldon Smith. The former NFL pass rusher who played for the 49ers and the Cowboys, died suddenly at age 36 on Saturday. His final interview. Filmed in a Bay Area barbershop. Was posted by barber and content creator Tee Maultsby around June 8, according to Pro Football Talk founder Mike Florio. In the three-part, under-30-minute interview, Smith spoke about his struggles and the bittersweet nature of returning to the Bay Area.

Smith’s Final Words

During the interview, Smith shared a candid and emotional account of his life after football, including door-to-door sales in Texas while wearing an ankle monitor due to legal issues. He admitted, “I’ve definitely had better days,” and described his current state as something he had been dealing with his whole life, with a mix of gratitude and struggle. “It’s been a tough week, but it’s been rewarding, and it’s starting to pay off,” he said.

Smith also reflected on his return to the Bay Area, where he played for both the 49ers and the Oakland Raiders. He called the experience “bittersweet,” noting the warm reception he received but admitting he wasn’t ready to be back yet. “This is like home. There are some things I wanted to have with me when I came back,” he said.

Cause of Death Under Investigation

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s office is investigating the cause and manner of Smith’s death, with the manner listed as pending, according to a USA Today report on Monday. No official cause of death has been released. Smith’s body was found unresponsive in a friend’s truck after the two had delivered 10 pizzas to the CHAM Deliverance Ministry, a Bay Area organization that serves the homeless.

Aldon Smith’s career was marked by early dominance, including a rookie season that saw him finish second to Von Miller for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a 2012 season with a franchise-record 19 1/2 sacks, earning first-team All-Pro honors. His 33 1/2 sacks in his first two seasons remain an NFL record. However, off-field issues, including a DUI arrest and a weapons charge, led to a five-game suspension and a stint in rehab in 2013.

Legacy and Tributes

The San Francisco 49ers announced Smith’s death on Saturday night and released a statement expressing their devastation. “Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization,” the statement read. The 49ers also highlighted Smith’s off-field charm, noting his “infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into.”

Smith was drafted by the 49ers with the 11th overall pick in 2011 and made an immediate impact, helping San Francisco end a playoff drought and reach the NFC title game in each of his first three seasons, including one Super Bowl appearance. After a nine-year hiatus from the NFL, he returned with the Cowboys in 2020 and started all 16 games in his final season.

Friends and fans have shared tributes to Smith online, remembering him for both his athletic prowess and his personality. “I’m getting there,” he had said after his 2013 rehab stint, reflecting a determination to overcome his challenges.

As the investigation into his cause of death continues, the public is left with the haunting final interview and the memories of a player whose career was as promising as it was turbulent.