Former Chargers general manager AJ Smith died Sunday at the age of 75, his family announced.
Smith had been battling prostate cancer for seven years, his family said in the statement released by the Falcons. Smith’s son, Kyle, is the assistant general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.
During a 35-year NFL career, AJ Smith rose from part-time scout to general manager of the San Diego Chargers, serving in that role from 2003 to 2012. He became the longest-serving general manager winningest in franchise history, with the Chargers having won 98 times. games (including playoffs) during his 10 seasons in that role.
our hearts are with the Smith family 💙 pic.twitter.com/HjmXJY4JPb
– Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 12, 2024
“Behind a tough, matter-of-fact, no-nonsense personality – synonymous with that of a real football player – was AJ’s softer side, which included an immense love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers,” said Chargers owner Dean Spanos. in a report. “The architect of one of the greatest chapters in franchise history, AJ made everyone around him better with a singular focus and intensity that elevated our organization.”
Smith drafted quarterback Eli Manning with the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft despite Archie Manning’s request not to do so, then traded Manning’s rights to the New York Giants for the quarterback Philip Rivers and the draft picks he used to select linebacker Shawne. Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.
Rivers went on to set Chargers franchise records with 59,271 yards and 397 touchdown passes. Manning, however, won two Super Bowls with the Giants, while Rivers never led the Chargers to a championship.
Smith also signed tight end Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates now holds the Chargers’ all-time records for receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and receptions touchdowns (116).
His marquee coaching hire was Norv Turner, who in 2007 replaced Marty Schottenheimer, who was fired despite a 14-2 season in 2006. Schottenheimer was fired by Spanos, who cited a “dysfunctional situation” between the coach and Smith.
Turner went 56-40 in six seasons and, like Schottenheimer, was unable to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. He was fired along with Smith in 2012 when the Chargers finished 7-9 – just the second losing season of Smith’s tenure as general manager.
Smith is also survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Andrea; his son-in-law, Noah, and three grandchildren.
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