49ers Faithful, NFL world mourn Aldon Smith’s tragic passing at age 36 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

One of the most fearsome pass rushers in 49ers history and the franchise record-holder for sacks in a single season, Aldon Smith, passed away Saturday at 36 years old.

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The unexpected news drew heartbroken reactions from NFL players, fans and media on social media, with many sharing tributes and favorite memories of the former star, who spent four seasons with San Francisco from 2011-14.

Though Smith battled off-the-field issues throughout his career, several people shared how he had become a mentor for young players in recent years.

Here’s what the Faithful and others around the NFL world had to say: