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Former San Diego Chargers GM AJ Smith dies at age 75 ‘after battle with prostate most cancers’

Former San Diego Chargers GM AJ Smith dies at age 75 ‘after battle with prostate most cancers’




DailyMail.com supplies all the newest worldwide sports activities information By Alastair Talbot Printed: 21:30 BST, 12 Might 2024 | Up to date: 21:59 BST, 12 Might 2024

Longtime NFL government and former San Diego Chargers basic supervisor A.J. Smith has died at age 75 after a seven-year battle with prostate most cancers. Smith’s son, Kyle Smith – the Atlanta Falcons’ assistant GM – introduced his father’s passing on Sunday. A.J., who spent 35 years within the NFL climbing up the ranks from part-time scout to GM of the Chargers, was San Diego’s winningest GM in franchise historical past with 98 wins over 10 seasons.  He famously traded two-time Tremendous Bowl champion Eli Manning to the New York Giants after choosing him as the primary general choose of the 2004 NFL Draft regardless of the quarterback insisting that he wouldn’t play for the Chargers resulting from their therapy of their very own signal-caller, Ryan Leaf, who was coping with private struggles on the time.Manning’s commerce to the Giants noticed North Carolina State College prospect Philip Rivers (drafted fourth general) go the opposite manner together with a 2004 third-round choose (used to pick kicker Nate Kaeding), a 2005 first-round choose and a 2005 fifth-round choose. A.J. Smith was San Diego’s winningest GM in franchise historical past with 98 wins over 10 seasonsIn 2005, the Chargers used their first spherical choose acquired from the Giants to pick Shawne Merriman twelfth general. Merriman went on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr Award. Manning went on to turn into the MVP of Tremendous Bowl XLII and Tremendous Bowl XLVI. The L.A. Chargers launched a heartwarming assertion from proprietor, Dean Spanos, on Smith’s passing. ‘Belying a tricky, matter of reality and no nonsense persona – one synonymous with that of a real soccer man – was A.J.’s softer facet which included an incredible love for his household, the NFL and the Chargers. The architect of one of many best chapters in franchise historical past’ Spanos mentioned.’A.J. made everybody round him higher with a singular focus and depth that elevated our group. Our hearts are together with his spouse Sue, son Kyle, daughter Andrea and your entire Smith household throughout this troublesome time.’ Smith was behind a Chargers staff that gained 5 AFC West division titles and went by way of eight straight seasons (2004-2012) and not using a shedding report, together with 4 seasons of 11+ wins. He had additionally been a scout for 12 years on numerous groups, together with the Giants, New England Patriots, the then-Houston Oilers, Chicago Blitz and Pittsburgh Maulers, earlier than turning into the Chargers professional personnel director in 1985.  Extra to observe… 

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Former San Diego Chargers GM AJ Smith dies at age 75 ‘after battle with prostate most cancers’



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Written by bourbiza mohamed

Bourbiza Mohamed is a freelance journalist and political science analyst holding a Master's degree in Political Science. Armed with a sharp pen and a discerning eye, Bourbiza Mohamed contributes to various renowned sites, delivering incisive insights on current political and social issues. His experience translates into thought-provoking articles that spur dialogue and reflection.

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