💔 My Brother Aldon… Rest in Peace
Today my heart is completely broken. the worst News broke, we lost my brother, Aldon Jacarus Smith at just 36 years old.
Aldon wasn’t just a guest host on Tha Throwbacks — he became real family to me and my entire household. He wasn’t “just” a teammate on the show. He was the brother who showed up. He came to my daughter’s hockey games, cheering louder than anybody in the stands. He was at our family holiday events, parties, and dinners — laughing, cracking jokes, and making memories like he had known us his whole life. That’s who Aldon was. Once you were in his circle, you were in his heart forever. He was truly my brother.
As our Season 2 guest host, he brought that same raw honesty and soul into every episode. We didn’t just talk football — we talked life. The sacks, the fame, the rock bottom, the battles with addiction, and the long road to redemption. He held nothing back, and those conversations helped so many people.
From a 7th overall pick out of Missouri, to setting an NFL rookie record with 14 sacks in 2011, to dropping 19.5 sacks in 2012 with the 49ers — Aldon was a straight-up problem for every quarterback in the league. 52.5 career sacks and that unrelenting motor. When he came to Dallas with the Cowboys, he brought that same fire. But more than the stats, I’ll remember the man who fought his demons in public, got sober, and worked every day to become better — not just for himself, but to help others.
Aldon, you showed up for my family the same way you showed up on the field — with all your heart. I’m gonna miss seeing your big smile walk through my door. I’m gonna miss the talks after the mics cut off. I’m gonna miss my brother.
To his family, his teammates, the San Francisco 49rs and Dallas Cowboys, and everyone who loved him — thank you for sharing him with us.
Aldon, you sacked quarterbacks, you sacked your own demons many times, and now you can finally rest easy. Turn the mic up loud in heaven, bro. I’ll keep your memory going strong, carrying your voice, your spirit, and your energy in every single day.
A Vargas never gives up… and I know you never did either.
Rest in peace, my brother. 99 forever. 💔🏈🙏
I love you, man. Until we link again…
— Rufino Vargas
Tha Throwbacks Podcast | Defiant International Inc.
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