Aldon Smith family donates brain for CTE research after his death

Former All‑Pro linebacker Aldon Smith passed away at the age of 36, and the exact cause of death remains unclear. In response, his relatives have arranged to donate his brain tissue to research focused on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

The donation aims to provide valuable data on the long‑term effects of repeated head impacts in contact sports. Smith’s family hopes the study will help protect future athletes.