The family of former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith has decided to send his brain to medical experts in Boston to determine if Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) played a role in his death, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Smith, a former first-round draft pick who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys, passed away recently at the age of 36. By sending his brain to researchers in Boston—a hub for the study of sports-related brain injuries—his family seeks to gain clarity on the potential neurological impact of his professional football career.
During his tenure in the league, Smith was one of the most dominant defensive forces of his era, notably recording 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons and earning a First-team All-Pro nod in 2012. His career was later punctuated by various off-field challenges and league suspensions, which have frequently led to discussions regarding the long-term effects of head trauma in former athletes.
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