Aldon Smith’s family has dispatched his brain to medical specialists in Boston to determine whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) contributed to the former NFL defensive end’s death. The 36‑year‑old collapsed hours after delivering pizzas for a homeless charity, and officials have not released a cause of death. Attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers and Wayne Kendall confirmed the testing and asked the public to respect the family’s privacy.

CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma in contact‑sport athletes and combat veterans. Smith endured numerous concussions; as a rookie he logged 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His 2012 season produced a franchise‑record 19.5 sacks, earning Pro Bowl and All‑Pro honors before off‑field arrests derailed his career.

Beyond football, Smith launched the “I.M. Loading” initiative in 2024 to mentor young athletes facing pressure and legal trouble. Persistent arrests—including multiple DUIs and weapons charges—saw him suspended, released, and briefly reinstated before his final NFL stint ended in 2021. The family now seeks definitive answers about his health while mourning their loss.