This article was posted on 49ers.com
As he works his way toward breaking the NFL single-season sack record, San Francisco linebacker Aldon Smith has announced that he will donate $5,099.00 for each of his sacks during the regular season. Smith is currently credited with 19.5 sacks on the season and he is looking to beat the all-time single-season record of 22.5 sacks set by Michael Strahan in 2001. The total monies raised will be split between Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco (Willy Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point) and Boys & Girls Clubs of The Peninsula (East Palo Alto Clubhouse).
Aldon Smith stated, “I am excited to be able to give back to my community. Now, in addition to playing to win games, I am playing to raise much needed money for a great organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of young people.”
“We are thrilled to be Aldon Smith’s charity of choice and greatly appreciate his generosity,” said Rob Connolly, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. “Donations like these help support the children and teens in our communities who need us the most – keeping them safe, academically focused, physically and emotionally healthy and equipped with job-readiness skills.”
“We are excited to have Aldon Smith’s support and appreciate his involvement,” said Peter Fortenbaugh, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. “In an area where 50 percent of children drop out of high school, Aldon is helping our youth develop the academic and life skills they need to graduate high school prepared for college or career. His gift allows our children to imagine the possibilities their futures may hold.”
Aldon Smith, currently a starting outside linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has become one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. As a rookie, in 2011, Smith registered 44 tackles and led the team in sacks with 14, a total that led all NFL rookies. Smith finished 2nd in the voting for Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, and was named Pro Football Weekly’s Rookie of the Year. He twice earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month and NFL Rookie of the Week honors. Now in his second year, he has already racked up 33.5 career sacks, leads the league with 19.5 sacks this season and just broke the 49ers single-season sack record. Currently, Smith has more sacks in his first two seasons than any player since the NFL began keeping sack statistics in 1982.
