49ers announce death of Aldon Smith at 36, once the fastest player to reach 30 sacks in NFL history

"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."

Drafted seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 out of Missouri, Smith had one of the most explosive starts for a defensive player in NFL history. As a situational pass rusher in his rookie year, he racked up 14.0 sacks.

In his second season in 2012, Smith set a 49ers franchise record with 19.5 sacks, earned First-Team All-Pro honors, and helped lead the team to Super Bowl XLVII. Notably, he reached 30 career sacks in just 27 games, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to hit that milestone, breaking a record previously held by Hall of Famer Reggie White.

But then in 2013, he voluntarily entered rehab and missed five games. In 2014, he served a nine-game suspension for violations of the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies.

No cause of death has been immediately disclosed.