A.J. Smith, renowned NFL executive and the most successful general manager in Chargers history, has passed away at the age of 75.
His son, Kyle Smith, Assistant GM for the Atlanta Falcons, confirmed his father’s death on Sunday, revealing that A.J. had been battling prostate cancer for seven years.
Smith’s NFL career spanned 35 years, commencing as a part-time scout with the New York Giants in 1977.
In two terms with the Chargers, first as pro personnel director in 1985-86, then as assistant GM in 2001 before being promoted to general manager in 2003, Smith oversaw a period of significant achievement for the franchise. Under his leadership, the Chargers clinched five division titles during his 10-year tenure as GM. Their 98 wins, encompassing playoffs, ranked sixth in the league from 2003-2012.
Despite the team’s regular-season success, they fell short of a Super Bowl appearance during Smith’s tenure, with their deepest playoff run ending in the AFC championship game in the 2007 season.
Chargers owner Dean Spanos paid tribute to Smith, acknowledging his pivotal role in the franchise’s history and his unwavering dedication to football.
One of Smith’s most notable decisions was selecting Eli Manning as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, despite Manning’s refusal to play for the Chargers. The subsequent trade with the New York Giants secured the rights to Philip Rivers, who became a cornerstone for the Chargers franchise.
Smith’s tenure also saw the controversial firing of coach Marty Schottenheimer after the 2006 season, and the hiring of Norv Turner as his replacement, a move that yielded mixed results.
Smith’s NFL career was not confined to the Chargers; he also served in various capacities for the New England Patriots, Houston Oilers, and Washington, as well as in the USFL with Chicago and Pittsburgh.
A.J. Smith is survived by his wife, Susan, son Kyle, daughter Andrea, son-in-law Noah, and three grandchildren.
The NFL community mourns the loss of a respected figure whose impact on the game will endure.
