Plenty of individuals who helped make some truly legendary San Francisco 49ers teams of the early 2010s have opened up and shared their reactions and sentiments about the passing of standout defensive end Aldon Smith, the pass-rusher who rocketed to stardom by notching a record 33.5 sacks over his first two years in the league.
Smith played almost his entire Niners career under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who helmed those great San Francisco squads, and anyone who was a fan of the red and gold during that time can attest to how the edge rusher was an integral part of a defense that was truly feared across the league.
Now the Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Harbaugh was recently asked at a press conference about Smith's way-too-soon passing at age 36 while helping out a local Bay Area charity.
Understandably so, Harbaugh was deeply saddened to learn of the news and opened up about who Smith was and how he positively impacted those around him.
"Just tragic," Harbaugh said, via USA Today's Jack McKessy. "Aldon Smith was a great friend, great teammate, loved, much loved by all. I mean, there were times I thought he was hard on himself, but mostly always a wonderful person to others. Even reported right up until the time that he passed. So pray and pulling hard for Aldon to rest in peace."
Smith struggled with alcohol-related issues during his pro career, and repeated off-field incidents ultimately led to both San Francisco releasing him in 2015 after Harbaugh's own tenure in the Bay Area came to a close.
Harbaugh enjoyed a successful coaching tenure at the collegiate level at the University of Michigan before returning to the NFL ranks with the Bolts, while Smith struggled to stay in the league and missed the entirety of the 2016 and 2017 seasons before successfully returning with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
Still, Harbaugh reminding fans of who Smith was as a person should easily overshadow any of the demons that ultimately plagued him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google