Have You Ever Heard Aldon Smith’s Story??? | I AM ATHLETE

Brandon Marshall sits down for an exclusive interview to open up Season 5 of the I Am Athlete Podcast. We sit down with former All-Pro defensive end, Aldon Smith who recently was released last week from the San Mateo County Jail on a 6 month stint. Once one of the best defensive players in the NFL, Smith saw his career derailed by off-the-field issues, including substance abuse and legal trouble, that ultimately led to prison time. Now Smith works to rebuild his life away from football, heal from his past through his current journey, and use his experiences to help others.
#AldonSmith #BrandonMarshall
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[@IconSince87]

Plugging the Uber Eats alcohol delivery on this episode is wild.

[@stefaanjefferson9703]

I came up with Aldon and he has a huge heart. He’s fought for his life from a very young age. He’s never stopped trying to get better. The man is more than we have seen from him over the years. I’m proud of him for always fighting to be better. Love you my brother. We want to see you WIN!

[@traviswesley7068]

Naw I don't agree. Aldon wants to be seen as a human. And it's okay. That's big brother shit. Tough conversations are so hard for people going through shit. And then he being vulnerable.

[@stefaanjefferson9703]

@@traviswesley7068 I don’t understand what you disagree with.

[@marlenehairston8014]

Yes I'm a big 49er fan and a big fan his. My prayer for him is he win!!!!!! Amen

[@vijaykamath3503]

Hope he gets his life on track…it takes what it takes to turn the corner. Hopefully things start to take a positive turn for him.

[@IAMATHLETE]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jeneenlomax9354]

I hate that Brandon didn’t allow him to take a break. He actually didn’t respect his boundaries. Don’t tell anyone why the need a break. Your journey isn’t their journey. I love that Brandon is transparent and is passionate about mental health but he’s not a therapist. When the guest needs a break, don’t bait him.

[@pigspigs76]

Fair enough, I’d like to see Brandon keep with this direction even with some growing pains. If he was portraying himself as a skilled therapist it would be more concerning lol I am hoping he eventually finds his way to plant medicines like ayahuasca as he is in a special position to bridge that to a culture that would benefit greatly

[@jpesicka999]

It seemed like he did though..maybe time stamp what you’re trying to point out because it seemed like he let him have a second when he said he needed one..

[@floydsadlerii5574]

Aldon really is a good dude I think. He was just missing that guidance at a time in his life when he needed it the most.

[@kharijohnson1653]

I missed y’all and I AM ATHLETE man! Let’s get these full episodes back!❤

[@EsLBC10th]

At the end B basically wanted to say that this was the gateway to opening up more opportunities for Aldon and so on and that’s when the healings begin. Much love Aldon. Hold ya head up high and you will overcome

[@Chao510.]

I’m a huge Niner fan and Aldon Smith fan, even bigger fan of his now glad to hear he’s beating the odds and doing well! Glad to see both Brandon Marshall and Aldon’s growth as men it’s inspiring, those struggling with mental health issues and alcoholism can relate to this and take something positive from this interview there is hope never stop fighting and trying to better yourselves🙏🏼.

[@josephinetracy1485]

...... why?

[@jermainevining2973]

This was such a great episode. I am trying to help my 14 year old daughter navigate some trauma she experienced at 10 and get her into a place where she can love herself. Thank you!!!

[@Nickh4929]

I wish I had parents who would help me like that, alot of parents neglect their kids.

[@Meshell_Smiling]

Welcome home Aldon ❤😭 I will always root for your success!

[@2TRILL-ip5we]

Man seeing him trying is so impactful aldon may not think so but he just help millions with him just being vulnerable, there are so many ppl that are goin to watch this and say man that’s me . Even from when he can’t figure out what to say , him as a person, his story , really is helped me and thank you Brandon for creating this space because there really is nothing like this for athletes

[@kandacesims9217]

I loved this episode! 💜 The honesty, vulnerability, and the care shown to encourage vulnerability and show protection of his heart and feelings were beautiful to watch. Thank You

[@reneeyoung710]

Kayla!!! Your remarks and questions were so spot on and insightful that even after this I know that not only Brandon and Aldon but even the viewers were left with something to think about.. Well done!! ❤

[@MauriceUrrutia]

Man, I shared this with the former athletes on my staff. I think this resonates with all athletes. I appreciate your vulnerability. 💙

[@EweCantHandletheTruth]

Aldon is a really well spoken individual. He sounds like whatever lifestyle he was living, it doesn’t fit his level of intellect. I think professional athletes, particularly football players, it’s been driven into their heads that they’re warriors. That they can’t be weak. That vulnerability and weakness isn’t an option. It’s becomes their identity, even if it doesn’t match their personality. You can tell Aldon was a football player because he was really good at football, not because he dreamt to be a football player. That’s a really tough business to be in and identity to maintain if you aren’t that interested in it. Add in the culture that comes with making a shit ton of money, the partying, and that’s a recipe for disaster. Aldon’s intellect requires him to surround himself with people of similar intellect to feel fulfilled

[@zoras9371]

Doesn't that feel like a prison - his fulfillment is dependent on being surrounded by others who are as intellectual as him. So without those ppl, he's relegated to a life of unfulfillment?

[@mstasha315]

I pray that Aldon is seen and heard because he wasn't in this interview. Blessings to you brother 🙏

[@KingBrand01]

this how I felt. I see folk giving BMarsh his props, but had he been really tuned in to Aldon he would've let him take the break he needed when he initially asked

[@StephxthaxChef]

Damn this hits hard. Thank you so much for this talk Brandon & Aldon. Both you and Brandon give me motivation to be vulnerable. Went down the same road but with no nfl. Family problems growing up & then losing grandparents in high school. I try to wear many hats with my family and also with my older brother. I battle with mental health still to this day and I believe this is what I need to do for me to fill my empty void and be authentic. I was an athlete in high school and then had the opportunity to play college football. I went to my older brothers college and I felt like I couldn’t be myself and I was never given the opportunity to be myself. I started drinking and smoking weed, I quit the team my sophomore year and then losing my scholarship I dropped out of college. I had no direction or self worth. My habits got worse and I had got public intox, 2 DUI’s within 7 years. I lost relationships and lost myself. I now moved states and im working on my self development to this day and I strive to find out who I am still to this day, it’s still a journey and it’s tough. The hardest part is being acceptable and loving of yourself while also having the ability to be vulnerable and let people see your flaws and your life. When you have problem after problem, you look to cover up those vices and never open that box up again. I have not spoke to a therapist and I have never wanted to admit that I battle with mental health. This will hopefully give me the strength to do so.

[@jordan23167]

I loved it! Welcome home Aldon, wishing you the best!

[@Captainsilverspring]

Great interview, keep working Bmarsh, I c u doing it solo now. I pray more come and give u the respect u deserve

[@madtruckamax3341]

I hope all black men get the inner help they need not just Aldon. I spent months in therapy to get the help I needed and I'm progressing everyday. I couldn't imagine what alot of athletes go through especially if there not preforming it must take a toll and overwhelming for some. Aldon you can get through it you have to believe in yourself cause everything starts with you brotha. God Bless you and Brandon on your journey.💯

[@13moxon]

Literally one of the best football players in the time he was playing!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 good to see bro!

[@ogbc100]

I appreciate this episode brotha

[@wellthatdidntwork]

I appreciate this interview from many stand points. The first of multiple sit downs I hope because this is just the surface

[@goldenratio369]

I didn't realize how intelligent Aldon Smith is. Extremely articulate, smart and mature. Great interview

[@dai787]

For all the slander in the comments towards Brandon ,please understand... Aldon wants to open up and this interview/therapy session is a step in the right direction which he never crossed! This will be so helpful for the young man, because Brandon has been there! This platform is to be vulnerable, no matter what youve been through. We are not here to judge Aldon, we are here to learn and be inspired. Too Aldon, I hope you continue to strive to be the person you want to be! Its only up from here champ!

[@BabyBoy-yr9bs]

This really helped me, thank you 💯💯

[@graysonyerton3218]

Resonation is recognized. Big love, great job, keep going, here for life.

[@Antisatan7771]

This guy was a MONSTER 🔥🔥🔥

[@tariq2940]

One of the best episodes yet 💯 salute to Brandon and Aldon for this one

[@Josephz32]

This was a heartwarming interview! Good for I Am Athlete to express vulnerability

[@Rustyshackelford23]

“I’m a violent drunk.” What an interesting story 😂

[@TheMaloneMitchellPodcast]

Wanted to hear more from aldon

[@samakoidu166]

Great to see the new direction of IAA and how both of them continue to grow. Very inspiring!

[@koolkids9418]

exactly, regardless of the lesson that Brandon at to learn and he's trying to be better

[@user-fx6xh9uh6y]

Definitely hits home I went to school with Aldon growing up in Cedar Rapids! Love to see him in a good mental space keep elevating and sharing your story! Ps i remember when we were in Kindergarten costume day he was the purple power ranger and I was the red lol!!! Stay blessed!

[@titikahill9007]

B. Marshall thank you for this discussion and good to see you back. Salute to both you gentlemen being vulnerable and patient with each other. Love to see brothers having these types of conversations. ♥️🙏🏾🫡

[@latoyamcinnis9475]

This was beautiful, sending love to Aldon and you to B.

[@vittiriowashington5211]

Thanks Brandon for an example of empathy

[@starvingartist6492]

I don’t usually post comments but this was terrible. Bro was looking for a break and a safe space and Brandon ignored that. He kept it going and made it about him and for someone who is an advocate for mental health, he couldn’t have been more blind to that situation. I couldn’t even finish the interview. Much love to Aldon.

[@fatimapenny2368]

Brandon always makes everything about him.

[@vittiriowashington5211]

Brandon kept him from sinking back into a dark spot

[@jpesicka999]

Can you time stamp it? I seen him ask for a second and he walked off and Brandon waited for him to come back..

[@jerrymichael1533]

Great interview

[@pamelagarvin6938]

I SO PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU YOUNG BLACK MAN GET IT OUT AND WHO GIVES 2 F*€€’S ABOUT WHATEVER ELSE THINKS YALL ARE VERY SMART AND INTELLIGENT AND LOVED BY ME ❤🙏🏽

[@koolkids9418]

I love your comment, compare to some trying to critize Brandon instaed on focus they growth and that no one is perfect and trying to be better human being.

[@pamelagarvin6938]

NO ONE IS PERFECT AND NEVER WILL BE IM PROUD OF THEM BOTH ✊🏿💪🏾✊🏿

[@al-mateenrankins2412]

This was powerful but you couldn’t but help notice that Brandon made it about him and it almost took away from what we was experiencing

[@brickcitynj2089]

Salute To You Brandon....Keep Doing Your Thing King!!!

[@leonrodriguez1714]

When he came back from and said he felt like he was running out of time . I do and think the same. Im always in a rush at doin something no patience. Anxiety

[@bridgetthomas9435]

Brandon you're doing great things you're reaching many people of all❤

[@sabintee9232]

Naw a chef calling a pizza PEEKZA is wild 😂 but shout out to Aldon for being so open. I relate to your journey bro, it’s gonna be a forever journey. Good luck

[@mrink241]

Lmfaooooooooo😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bhdoyle1117]

Keep coming back

[@guallamannslim9145]

Breakthrough unlocked

[@johnlarson9246]

This Man Aldon Smith was heading for a HOF Career. I loved watching him playing. This goes to show you how powerful addiction can be. I’m a Addict myself and I lost friends and family. I hope this young man finds peace and sobriety. Because there’s no love on the streets. I’m fully aware of that.

[@XlogicXX]

"I'm alone. I have no home. I'm my home." -- Aldon. That hit home.

[@ogbc100]

I like this format too by the way

[@vdf27]

this was a powerful episode. wish it was longer (pause), wishing yall nothing but the best

[@rizzy_russ]

This could have been a classic i am athlete episode, but i am athlete is not the same anymore.

[@madtruckamax3341]

Brandon fcked up with those other guys in my opinion he is letting this platform flop doing paper route or whatever when I am athlete made this space for him he want to do this do that noo focus on this look at his views from I am and paper route major difference he fcking up 💯

[@ebonylea7465]

Whooooooooo. This probably went over ppls heads. “I need a min…” Yeah. That’s real. Also, that outgoing track is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LisaMcClendonMusic]

I am sooooo TEAM B-Marshall!!)

[@latricenarcisse5426]

I know some of us don’t like that B didn’t give him the moment that he asked for, but the approach he took was trying to teach him to SIT IN IT & PUSH THRU. Either would have been ok. He eventually gave him the space. But sometimes we need someone to help push us thru

[@dmacjr2916]

And sometimes we need a moment

[@StocktonCalifornia209]

Anyone know the name of the outro song? I think it’s by the same dude that made end zone from I am athlete. Jag

[@dhomie1822]

I love this interview. Salute Brandon..

[@sjg4292]

The wild thing to me is this guy was so casually so good at football. Historically good. And none of it mattered to him. I do believe him when he says he wasn’t necessarily at peace, cause it showed. But I’m just curious as to why.

[@ChefStevieB49]

All I can think about is how nasty are Pass rush could of been a couple more years of his prime 🔥🔥he was a technical beast

[@msldellis2003]

To God be the Glory. I love you nephew. God is in control of your life. Through the storm and through the rain. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding-in all your ways acknowledge him, he will direct your path. It’s all about Jesus.😘❤️

[@clutchbtw587]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:01 *🏈 Opening Remarks and Disagreement* - Discussion on football team strength and player performance disagreement. 00:43 *🎙️ Importance of the Conversation and Background* - Introduction to the interviewee, excitement about the conversation, and brief background. 02:18 *🏈 Retirement from Football and Self-Reflection* - Retirement discussion, self-reflection, and showcasing transformed self. 03:37 *🌟 Recognizing Achievements and Sharing Personal Growth* - Acknowledgment of achievements, personal growth emphasis, and inspiring others. 05:46 *🤯 Mental Health Struggles and Impact on Image* - Discussion on mental health struggles, image perception, and seeking authenticity. 09:00 *🍺 Relationship with Alcohol* - Exploration of the interviewee's alcohol relationship and its significance. 11:29 *🚦 Escalation of Alcohol Issues* - Description of escalating alcohol use and its impact. 13:20 *⚠️ Consequences and Series of Incidents* - Discussing consequences, reflections on incidents, and early challenges. 15:27 *🤔 Learning Process and Lack of Guidance* - Acknowledgment of the learning process, lack of guidance, and realization. 16:36 *🏛️ Recent Incarceration and Nervousness* - Revelation about recent incarceration and nervousness. 19:48 *💔 Acknowledging Past Embarrassment* - Sharing realization about past embarrassment and the importance of vulnerability. 20:24 *🤔 Aldon Smith reflecting on personal growth and self-identity* - Aldon reflects on personal growth and self-identity challenges. 23:36 *🤝 Aldon Smith on self-forgiveness and personal growth* - Aldon shares self-forgiveness journey and the role of discipline. 24:37 *🍕 Game day snacks and cooking with Brandon Marshall* - Light-hearted cooking segment with life lessons and podcast introduction. 28:39 *😰 Aldon Smith expressing nervousness and vulnerability* - Aldon opens up about feeling nervous and the power of vulnerability. 30:33 *🔄 Transition to therapeutic discussion with Kayla* - Transition to therapeutic discussion with Kayla and the importance of vulnerability. 32:34 *🌱 Aldon Smith's identity before football and current aspirations* - Aldon reflects on pre-football identity and current aspirations. 38:49 *🔄 Discussion on fitting in and creating a persona* - Aldon Smith discusses fitting in, success, and short-term thinking. 39:45 *🤔 Struggles with fitting in as an athlete* - Fitting in physically, struggling with institutionalization, and personal values tension. 43:35 *🧘‍♂️ Aldon's affirmations and the importance of freedom* - Aldon's pursuit of freedom, sacred conversation, and transition to authenticity. 46:38 *🔄 Turning point: Choosing a different path* - Reflecting on arrest, choosing a different path, and personal responsibility. 51:38 *💔 Navigating past versions and self-forgiveness* - Acknowledging the need for self-forgiveness and moving forward. 55:02 *🚀 Confidence in the present and excitement for the future* - Aldon's confidence, excitement for future identity, and shifting focus. 58:43 *🤝 Importance of self-discovery in isolation* - Transformation and self-discovery through solitude. 01:00:06 *🌐 Unscripted vulnerability and new beginnings* - Brandon's acknowledgment of vulnerability, unscripted ending, and anticipation. 01:01:29 *🚀 Future opportunities and platforms* - Introduction as Aldon's authentic narrative, predicted opportunities, and future platforms. Made with HARPA AI

[@travonwilliams6415]

What is the end song called ?

[@christieo2463]

Like the video coming in♥️

[@mathew1223]

Brandon love you and the show and respect everything your doing but when reaching to him and relate you kinda reaching let the man take his break you just keep baiting him in and it might be a good thing to do but for some people including myself let me take a break! But love the conversation let’s keep it all the way💯

[@RickPorchiaMediaGroup]

Brandon… I wanna give you your 💐’s. We love and appreciate you.

[@leonrodriguez1714]

42:00 - 42:38 thats me . Been like that all my life. Ppl dont like to hear the truth and somebody being honest

[@luvsilly60]

CTE is a real concern.

[@user-os5gj8lp4m]

Hi Aldon! Not sure you will ever read this, but I love where you are and respect your journey. I told you once, I could see you working with kids..remember….?? (AM)..btw…I need one of those Libra shirts! Julie

[@TheArtistTv]

This is giving hope to the hopeless.

[@michaelchavez687]

He was not ready for this interview Brandon should’ve let him time to get his stuff together man hasn’t been out of jail for a month yet

[@msldellis2003]

You’re not alone. We all go through challenges and experiences that only God can deliver us from. All that I owe is unto God. You don’t owe the world anything. People saw you as a beast for the Niners and they turned their backs on you for what you’ve gone through. As long as God has forgiven you, that’s all that matters. Let Jesus lead you all the way. He will never leave you nor forsake you. I got your back nephew.

[@pigspigs76]

Aldon and Brandon ought to experience ayawascha

[@Yesyou_]

His answer are all over the place and don’t make sense it’s just a bunch of scattered statements not trying to judge all I’m saying is that you can see in his demeanor that’s he’s still struggling I’ve been there in my sober journey but it’s not just about getting clean it’s about getting your mind right and it seems like it’s too soon for him to be doing an interview like this he’s not ready yet hopefully he gets better in time pray for that man please

[@IconSince87]

He knew that that’s what he was explaining he was nervous and said he was trying to hard to come off a certain way. I’m glad they left that part in the video because I can understand him better.

[@ogbc100]

Just like your big run on sentence lol

[@Yesyou_]

@@ogbc100just like your run on mother tell her we said hi

[@ogbc100]

@@Yesyou_ gotchu ♥️

[@michaelchavez687]

Exactly my thoughts

[@Nattyrute]

This dude could’ve been a certified HOF’r! Just sucks how all his choices and mistakes led him out the league.

[@MODERNTHUG1408]

What's crazy is I completely understand Aldon without actually knowing him in real life ...maybe it's just a libra thing

[@calvindavis3162]

Man I’ll take him back on the Niners asap

[@williehordge6456]

It would of been awesome if he actually respected him enough to stop recording when he said “ I need a moment “ but instead he chose to continue filming and speak about “ a space for guest “ respect go a long long long way

[@jpesicka999]

🤷‍♂️he let him have a moment I see what you’re saying though

[@Redhaze121]

Peekza? 😂

[@beespellgrey6469]

is Colin K current his Old one?

[@DaNkR3m3r1]

Not trying to bring negativity to this space but B said they got haircuts the other day? 😂

[@dashonlive6623]

Bro WTH 🤣🤣

[@TrevTT]

So great not to hear any Moss in that interview. All we need is to hear you and your guests

[@freewayrod559]

Niner gang still love you

[@KhmerThugAngel]

Was Aldon really here to market his creative clothing designs and music?

[@koolkids9418]

It Crazy How alot of this human commenting negatively towards two blk men trying to be better and live and peace. Brandon is not perfect and that why he had her in the Middle to help him and Aldon navigate the convo . Stop lookin to point finger when they being vulnerable

[@hacksaw3910]

I am disappointed in Kayla's remarks in this episode. She doesn't prepare adequately by stating that Aldon went to Howard University when there are dozens of sources/bios available that have his correct college listed. Then instead of owning up to it she passes the blame to him by saying he needs to go update his Wikipedia? Maybe not the best way to treat a vulnerable guest who is working through a fragile state?

[@Ayeyoosischill]

I feel for this man so so much, but, this interview was horrible.. Aldon, by all means seek therapy & God, and continue to work on yourself. You got this 💕💕

[@whynotyou783]

Brandon, not sure if you have or not, but you should get a communications and psychology degree if you’re going to dive into these type of convos with ppl

[@user-fi7ds7my9m]

All you need is Jesus. No yoga, no tarot cards, no spiritualism, no religion, all you need is a relationship with Jesus. God bless you brother!

[@vdf27]

boy bye

[@chrisks6461]

This statement contradicts itself so much 😂

[@thawkereynolds]

To put yoga and spiritualism in the same box as tarot cards is extremely close minded. That type thinking it’s exactly what repels the younger generation from Christianity.

[@Nickh4929]

Isn't Jesus part of spirituality and religion 😂

[@plantbased5673]

No food, no water, no home; just Jeebus. 😏

[@christopheredwards6275]

the breakup hes talking about is with nessa who dated Kaepernick..... smh Kap was wrong

[@curmidgeon8]

This felt deeply manipulative and predatory, I’d be weary of going into business with Brandon…seems like a snake who hides behind the monicker of “I’m doing deep work on myself…I think he’s a narcissist and that is how he disarms people.

[@williehordge6456]

I respect B. Marsh but he’s always over talking and not letting the guest really vent and get things off their chest .. I want to listen to the guest tell their story without them being stopped every sentence and trying to evaluate it as if he’s in a Therapy session.. He’s already nervous to open up so just let him exhale and get things off his chest so he can finally move forward on life and the things he’s done …

[@TrevTT]

I love Brandon but I miss his bantor with shady Pac man and Ocho

[@dmacjr2916]

B Marsh, love ur growth... but that man told u at 16 mins HE NEEDED "a moment" & u went on to foce him to talk for 8 more minutes before he cut u off. U gota be better B

[@wpbdog1625]

Talk about inconsistency from a show🤦🏾‍♂️

[@KhmerThugAngel]

Marshall trying too hard to be a therapist. I don’t think Aldon was prepared to be on this show other.

[@BillyJohnsonize]

Brandon Marshall needs to learn to read social cues.

[@christopheredwards6275]

as much as I want to believe colin Kaepernick stance was justified..... i just dont see how he could date Aldons Ex Girlfriend.....thats fucked up i can only image how frustrated aldon was when kaepernick was on TV every day back then taking a stance while he violated the bro code...... hard to take him serious that had to be rough... Nessa kaepernick is still with her.... that was Aldons Girlfriend..... smh

[@kenstorman7418]

Marshall just comes off wrong but I can’t put my finger on why.

[@chrisputnam4163]

Always have and still do wish Aldon the best. Such a waste of talent. Wish he coulda just kept his nose clean and been able to stay with my Niners cause he was a force to be reckoned with.