A.J. Smith, winningest GM in Chargers historical past, dies at 75

Former Chargers normal supervisor A.J. Smith died Sunday on the age of 75, his household introduced.

Smith had been battling prostate most cancers for the previous seven years, his household stated within the announcement, which was launched by the Falcons. Smith’s son, Kyle, is the Atlanta Falcons’ assistant normal supervisor.

Throughout a 35-year profession within the NFL, A.J. Smith rose from a part-time scout to normal supervisor of the San Diego Chargers, holding that position from 2003 to 2012. He turned the winningest GM in franchise historical past, because the Chargers gained 98 video games (together with playoffs) throughout his 10 seasons within the position.

our hearts are with the Smith household 💙 pic.twitter.com/HjmXJY4JPb

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) Might 12, 2024

“Belying a tricky, matter of truth and no nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a real soccer man — was AJ’s softer aspect which included an amazing love for his household, the NFL and the Chargers,” Chargers proprietor Dean Spanos stated in an announcement. “The architect of one of many best chapters in franchise historical past, A.J. made everybody round him higher with a singular focus and depth that elevated our group.”

Smith drafted quarterback Eli Manning with the No. 1 total choose within the 2004 draft regardless of Archie Manning’s request that he not achieve this, after which traded Manning’s rights to the New York Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers and draft picks that he used to pick out linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.

Rivers went on to set Chargers franchise information with 59,271 yards and 397 landing passes. Manning, although, gained two Tremendous Bowls with the Giants, whereas Rivers by no means led the Chargers to a championship.

Smith additionally signed tight finish Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates now holds the Chargers’ all-time information for receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and landing receptions (116).

His signature teaching rent was Norv Turner in 2007, changing Marty Schottenheimer who was fired regardless of a 14-2 season in 2006. Schottenheimer was fired by Spanos, who cited a “dysfunctional scenario” between the coach and Smith.

Turner went 56-40 in six seasons and, like Schottenheimer, was unable to steer the Chargers to a Tremendous Bowl. He was fired together with Smith in 2012 when the Chargers completed 7-9 — simply the second dropping season in Smith’s tenure as GM.

Smith’s profession additionally contains 14 years with the Buffalo Payments, throughout which he ultimately turned the staff’s director of professional personnel. He joined Washington as a marketing consultant in 2013 after being fired by the Chargers and retired from the NFL in 2015.

Smith can be survived by his spouse, Susan; daughter, Andrea; son-in-law, Noah; and three grandchildren.