Former NFL star Aldon Smith spoke candidly about personal struggles in a video interview released just days before his sudden death at the age of 36.

The former San Francisco 49ers linebacker appeared on the “Laced Up” podcast, where he opened up while getting a haircut and discussing his mental and emotional state.

News of Smith’s death was confirmed by the San Francisco 49ers on June 13, though an official cause of death has not yet been publicly released.

Aldon Smith Admitted He Was Having a Difficult Time

During the interview, Smith was asked how he had been feeling recently.

“I’ve definitely had better days,” he admitted.

The former NFL player explained that he had been struggling with something he believed he had dealt with “his whole life,” though he chose not to reveal specific details during the conversation.

“It’s something I think I’ve been dealing with my whole life, and I’m just struggling with accepting how it’s playing out right now,” Smith said.

Despite the emotional admission, he also shared that he was trying to stay hopeful and believed things were beginning to improve.

He Said Returning to San Francisco Felt ‘Bittersweet’

Smith also reflected on being back in the Bay Area, where he became an NFL star during his years with the 49ers.

While he said fans had welcomed him warmly, he admitted the experience felt emotionally complicated.

“I don’t feel as if I’m ready to be back here right now,” he explained during the interview.

The comments have since taken on heartbreaking significance following news of his death.

49ers Released Emotional Statement After His Death

The San Francisco 49ers announced Smith’s passing in a statement honoring both his football career and personality off the field.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the organization said.

The team praised his dominance as a player and described him as someone whose “infectious smile lit up every room he walked into.”

Tributes quickly poured in from NFL fans and former teammates across social media.

Friend Revealed Smith Was Helping Homeless Charity Before Death

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Smith spent part of his final day helping deliver pizzas to a homeless charity.

His friend Amir Shirazi later told the outlet he found Smith unresponsive in the passenger seat of a pickup truck and immediately called emergency services.

Smith was later pronounced dead.

The tragic details left many fans emotional after learning he had spent his final hours helping others.

Aldon Smith Was Once One of the NFL’s Brightest Stars

Selected seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith quickly became one of the league’s most dominant young defensive players.

During his first four seasons with the 49ers, he earned Pro Bowl honors and was named First-team All-Pro after recording explosive sack numbers early in his career.

Over the course of his NFL career, Smith played for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.

Despite facing several personal and legal struggles throughout the years, many fans continued rooting for his comeback and remembered the incredible talent he displayed on the field.

His sudden death has shocked the football world and sparked renewed conversations about mental health struggles among professional athletes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I54xmgxtMA