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Aldon Smith hopes to encourage players entering the NFL to embrace their mental health through sharing the lessons learned from his professional football career.
The former defensive end is working with both the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars this season as a mentor for their respective rookie classes. Smith shared that he wants to be the kind of mentor who helps players figure things out rather than one who tells them what to do on the latest edition of Keyshawn Johnson’s “All Facts No Breaks” podcast.
“I try to be consistent,” Smith said. “I try to be disciplined and honest and do the things that I know I should be doing. Not saying [that] I’m perfect by any means, but I feel like with all the knowledge I’ve gained, the message I have is gonna be helpful. I’m not here to talk. I’m not here to instruct. I’m just here to give you some ideas and some options to guide you in the right direction.”
Smith’s decision to become a mentor is the first gig he’s held in the NFL since his playing career ended. The 34-year-old was once one of the best pass rushers in the league, becoming a star with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted in 2011. He had 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons, helping the Niners reach the Super Bowl in 2012.
Smith’s career took multiple downturns due to matters off the field. He entered rehab during the 2013 season after being arrested for driving under the suspicion of being under the influence and possession of marijuana. He was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after he allegedly said he was in possession of a bomb in 2014. Though he wasn’t in possession of any bomb, the NFL suspended him nine games for his off-field conduct.
The Niners released him in 2015 after an alleged hit-and-run while driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest to the charge in 2017, serving 20 days of jail time. Smith signed with the Raiders after his release, spending three seasons with them, though he was under suspension for the…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/from-nfl-star-mental-health-mentor-aldon-smith-joins-all-facts-no-breaks
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Publish date : 2024-06-14 20:20:19
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