Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Former NFL executive A.J. Smith dies at 75

Father of Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith
SAN DIEGO - 2007: A.J. Smith of the San Diego Chargers poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in San Diego, California. (Photo by Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Credit: Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - 2007: A.J. Smith of the San Diego Chargers poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in San Diego, California. (Photo by Getty Images)
By
May 12, 2024

FLOWERY BRANCH -- NFL executive and former San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith lost his battle with prostate cancer on Sunday, his family announced.

Smith, who was 75, was the father of Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith. Smith was surrounded by his loved ones, after a seven-year battle against prostate cancer.

Smith worked his way up from being a part-time scout to general manager of the Chargers. He held that title from 2003 to 2012 and was the winningest GM in franchise history, with 98 victories (including playoffs wins) during his 10 seasons. His NFL career spanned 35 years.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, son, Kyle, daughter, Andrea, son-in-law, Noah, and three grandchildren.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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