The eminent former professional football scout and executive A.J. Smith has reportedly passed away at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer for the last seven years.
His passing away was announced by his son, Kyle Smith who is the assistant general manager of the Atlanta Falcons and family. Smith spent the majority of his career being an NFL executive and as a scout worked with NFL, USFL, AFL teams including New York Giants, New England Patriots, Houston Oilers, Chicago Blitz, Pittsburgh Maulers, and Buffalo Bills.
#Falcons assistant GM Kyle Smith and his family announce the passing of long-time NFL personnel man and former #Chargers GM AJ Smith, Kyle’s father. pic.twitter.com/M7RrrBBL4M
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2024
He served as a Pro personnel director of the San Diego Chargers from 1985 to 1986. He was also the assistant director of college scouting for the Buffalo Bills from 1989 to 1992. From 2001 to 2002 he was the director of pro personnel/assistant general manager of the Chargers. He then served as the general manager of the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2012. With the Washington Redskins he served as senior executive/consultant from 2013 to 2015.
Smith became the winningest general manager in the history of the Chargers by having 98 wins over the ten seasons. He is survived by his wife, Susan Smith, son Kyle Smith, daughter, Andrea, son-in-law Noah and three grandchildren.
He spent 14 seasons with the Buffalo Bills which was considered one of the most lucrative periods of the Bills and went from scout to become their director of pro personnel.
our hearts are with the Smith family 💙 pic.twitter.com/HjmXJY4JPb
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 12, 2024
As per Washington Post, Chargers owner Dean Spanos shared this in his statement, “Belying a tough, matter of fact and no nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a true football guy — was A.J.’s softer side which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers. The architect of one of the greatest chapters in franchise history, A.J. made everyone around him better with a singular focus and intensity that elevated our organization.”
According to the Associated Press, Smith is also majorly remembered for the move when the Chargers selected Eli Manning first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, despite him mentioning that he wouldn’t play with them.
However, the strategy proved to be fruitful, as Manning was traded to New York Giants for Philip Rivers who later became Chargers icon and with 2005 first-round pick, they selected Shawne Merriman.
