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 [May 13, 2024]
A.J. Smith, former general manager of the then-San Diego
Chargers, died Sunday. He was 75.
Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith, the son of A.J.,
and his family announced the passing on Sunday. The elder Smith died
after a seven-year battle with prostate cancer.
Smith began his NFL personnel career as a scout with the New York
Giants in 1977, advancing in his career until his eventual promotion
to general manager with the Chargers in 2003. He held that position
for 10 seasons.
During that period, the Chargers won five division titles and
finished with a .500 or better record for eight straight seasons.
Smith was the winningest GM in Chargers history, as San Diego
totaled 98 wins (including postseason) over his 10 seasons in
charge.
"Belying a tough, matter of fact and no-nonsense persona -- one
synonymous with that of a true football guy -- was A.J.'s softer
side which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and
the Chargers," Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement on
Sunday. "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 had some high-profile moments during his tenure in San Diego.
Smith went ahead and selected Eli Manning with the No. 1 overall
pick in the 2004 NFL Draft despite father Archie Manning requesting
the team not pick his son. Smith then traded Manning to the New York
Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers (the fourth pick) and also
obtained draft picks used to select linebacker Shawne Merriman and
kicker Nate Kaeding.
The trade worked out for both teams with Rivers setting Chargers
franchise marks of 59,271 passing yards and 397 touchdowns. Manning
won two Super Bowls with the Giants.
After Rivers' second season, Smith allowed Drew Brees to leave as a
free agent and turned the club over to Rivers. Brees had injured his
shoulder in the 2005 season finale and underwent major surgery
before recovering to become a star with the New Orleans Saints.
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The Chargers went 14-2 in 2006 but were upended at
home 24-21 in the postseason by the New England Patriots after
holding an eight-point, fourth-quarter lead. That led to the firing
of coach Marty Schottenheimer, who Smith had refused to talk to
during the campaign due to their frosty relationship.
The coaching search was held in February, leading to Norv Turner
becoming the new coach. San Diego reached the 2007 AFC Championship
Game before losing to the Patriots in Foxborough. The Chargers have
not advanced that far ever since.
Smith famously signed tight end Antonio Gates as an undrafted free
agent in 2003. Gates, a college basketball player, holds the team's
all-time records for receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and
touchdown receptions (116).
Smith and Turner were fired after a 7-9 season in 2012.
After his tenure with San Diego, Smith spent three seasons as a
consultant with Washington before announcing his retirement in 2015.
Smith is survived by wife Susan, son Kyle, daughter Andrea,
son-in-law Noah and three grandchildren.
--Field Level Media
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