A.J. Smith, the former general manager of the San Diego Chargers, passed away on Sunday at the age of 75, as confirmed by his family.
Smith had been battling prostate cancer for the past seven years, as disclosed by his family in a statement issued by the Falcons.
Smith’s son, Kyle, currently serves as the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons.
Over his illustrious 35-year NFL career, A.J. Smith climbed the ranks from a part-time scout to ultimately holding the position of general manager for the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2012.
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He achieved the distinction of being the most successful GM in the franchise’s history, overseeing 98 victories (including playoff wins) during his decade-long tenure.
“Belying a tough, matter of fact and no nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a true football guy — was AJ’s softer side which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “The architect of one of the greatest chapters in franchise history, A.J. made everyone around him better with a singular focus and intensity that elevated our organization.”
Smith’s draft decision in 2004 remains a defining moment in Chargers history. Despite Archie Manning’s plea, Smith selected Eli Manning as the No. 1 overall pick, subsequently trading his rights to the New York Giants in exchange for Philip Rivers and additional draft picks, which later secured talents like Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding. While Rivers etched his name in Chargers lore with record-setting performances, Manning achieved Super Bowl glory with the Giants, leaving Rivers without a championship ring.
Smith’s eye for talent extended beyond the draft, as evidenced by his signing of Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates would go on to rewrite Chargers records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions.
In coaching matters, Smith’s pivotal decision was the hiring of Norv Turner in 2007, succeeding Marty Schottenheimer, who was dismissed despite a stellar 14-2 season in 2006. Citing a “dysfunctional situation” between Schottenheimer and Smith, owner Dean Spanos initiated the change. Turner’s tenure saw relative success, yet like Schottenheimer before him, he couldn’t guide the Chargers to a Super Bowl victory. Both Turner and Smith were relieved of their duties in 2012 after the team’s disappointing 7-9 season, only the second losing season during Smith’s tenure as GM.
