What happened: The family of former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith has decided to send his brain to medical experts in Boston to be examined for CTE. Smith was found unresponsive in a vehicle on June 13, 2026, in the San Francisco Bay Area at the age of 36. An official cause of death has not yet been released.

Why it matters: Smith was a dominant force for the San Francisco 49ers, setting a 5 sacks in 2012. The decision to test for CTE highlights the ongoing scrutiny of head trauma in the NFL and follows a history of legal and personal struggles that often accompany the disease.

What to watch: Results from the medical examination in Boston are expected to take several months. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's investigation remains ongoing.