Former Mizzou lineman Aldon Smith dies at the age of 36

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Mizzou and San Fransisco defensive lineman Aldon Smith died at the age of 36 according to releases from the teams. No cause of death has been confirmed. Smith was an All-Big 12 selection with the Tigers, and earned All-Pro honors with the 49ers.

San Fransisco put out a statement on the passing of Smith, and offered condolences to his family and those that knew him.

"We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith. 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," the release said. "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."

During the 2009 season, Smith was a force to be reckoned with for Mizzou. He lead the team with 19 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He finished third and fourth in the conference respectively with those totals.

He was selected by San Fransisco with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and would eventually go on to play eight season in the NFL with the 49ers, Raiders, and Cowboys. He was named to the All-Rookie team in 2011, finished second in the defensive rookie of the year race. Just one season later, he earned an AP All-Pro Selection, and a trip to the pro bowl.