Aldon Smith was signed by the Cowboys to a contract worth $90,000 with incentives that can help him reach $4 million for the season.
Smith was suspended indefinitely since 2015 for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies, but eventually being conditionally reinstated in early May by the NFL. He will now be able to participate in the Dallas Cowboys virtual offseason meetings with coaches and teammates.
In his career, Aldon Smith was a former All-Pro, racking up 47.5 sacks in his career before derailing to his off the field troubles. Smith, 30, was added as a low-risk high reward player for Dallas who lost pass rushers Robert Quinn and Malik Collins to free agency. If he can perform at a level somewhat similar to his former self, then it will be a success for the team, but can Smith stay out of trouble long enough to make an impact?
Photo: NBC SportsThe road for Aldon Smith has not been a smooth one, as he has a rocky past dating back to 2012 when he was arrested for driving under the influence, and later that year he was believed to suffer stab wounds when attempting to break up a fight at a party.
Smith has been arrested different offenses over the years, but one factor seems to be the common denominator – poor decision making off the field. His most recent run-in with law enforcement was in 2019 when he was arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence.
What has to happen for Aldon Smith to be successful?
If Aldon Smith wants to play football in the NFL as a full-time player again, not just a part-timer that expects to be suspended midseason, then the decisions will need to change in a positive way.
In an interview with TMZ, Smith said:
“I’m an overall better person,” and went on to say he was “looking forward to seeing what I can do.”
Smith is taking an extra step into a role model light as he’s also volunteering to read to stories and books to children directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
He joins the likes of Robert Griffin III and Andrew Whitworth who also have taken on the task of reaching out to young children in a positive way.
“It goes along with what I’m into and what I’m about. And that’s using my time to help others and I enjoy doing it and if it can help others, that’s just a plus. This is just one way I can be a source of help.”
It seems as though Smith is taking everything in stride as he begins his NFL comeback.
The star on the side of the helmet in Dallas has a way to keep certain players in the spotlight, and in Aldon Smith’s case, Cowboys Nation is looking forward to the newest member of the team make a positive impact on the team and the community.
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