Ex-49ers player apologizes to Aldon Smith's family in touching tribute
Anthony Dixon, former 49ers special teams player, publicly apologized to Aldon Smith’s family for not doing more to help him. Smith, a 2011 No. 7 overall pick, died unexpectedly at 36 after spending his final hours delivering pizzas for a homeless charity. His family is having his brain examined for CTE, while tributes continue to pour in from the NFL community. The cause of death remains unconfirmed.
What changed
New details confirm Dixon’s apology and Smith’s final charitable act, along with family plans for CTE testing.
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Ex-49ers player Dixon apologizes to Aldon Smith family in tribute
confidence 95%Anthony Dixon, former 49ers special teams player, publicly apologized to Aldon Smith’s family for not doing more to help him. Smith, a 2011 No. 7 overall pick, died unexpectedly at 36 after spending his final hours delivering pizzas for a homeless charity. His family is having his brain examined for CTE, while tributes continue to pour in from the NFL community. The cause of death remains unconfirmed.
What's confirmed:
- Anthony Dixon, known as 'Boobie,' posted a tribute to Aldon Smith’s family, writing 'I wish I could’ve did more to help him.'
- Smith spent his final hours delivering pizzas for a charity supporting the homeless before being found unresponsive.
- Smith was a 2011 first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers as the No. 7 overall selection and played as an All-Pro linebacker.
- His family is arranging to have his brain examined for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- Smith had openly discussed personal struggles in an interview published days before his death, stating he 'definitely had better days.'
- Tributes from former teammates, coaches, and fans continue to highlight Smith’s impact and character in the NFL community.
Still unconfirmed:
- A man who was with Smith before his death described the moment as 'unbelievable' but did not provide further details on the circumstances.