Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith says he’s “grateful” to get the chance to get back on the playing field after being conditionally reinstated by the NFL on Wednesday.
Smith, who had been suspended since 2015 for violation of the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies, discussed his reinstatement in an interview with TMZ Sports. Asked about what it will be like to get back on the field after being suspended for over four seasons, Smith said that situation has “played in my head.”
I think the overall emotion is I’m grateful. I’m really grateful,” Smith said. “… I came a long way. To have the opportunity to get back, do something that I love, something that I enjoy. To have that opportunity again means a lot. I was able to beat some big obstacles in my life.”
Smith has been arrested numerous times in his career for offenses including multiple DUIs and domestic violence. In 2018, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years probation after pleading no contest to violating a court order and false imprisonment to settle the domestic violence case. He served the sentence in an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center.
He said he is now sober, telling TMZ that he wants his story to be an inspiration for others.
“I just want my story to spread and help out others,” Smith said. “For people who may have felt differently about me and for those who always believed in me to say, ‘Wow, this is great,’ because I believe everybody goes through things in their life and, no matter what they do for a profession, it affects them in a manner that can either be their downfall or it can be something they look at and learn from. I want people to see my story and see it and be like, ‘Hey man, he can do it; he’s done it.’ I want to be a source of inspiration.”
Smith had 47.5 sacks in 59 games before his self-destructive ways derailed his career. He told TMZ he is now “an overall better person.”
“… I was able to play at a high level with a lot of other things going on in my life,” he said. “With how life is for me now, I’m just looking forward to seeing what I can do.”
Now, 30, Smith told TMZ, “I still feel young.”
“I don’t have the mileage on my body,” Smith said. “I still feel great when I go to the gym. I still feel young and fresh. So, if anything, I’m looking forward to what I’m going to be able to do out there.”
Smith will be able to take part in meetings with Cowboys coaches and teammates in the virtual offseason program beginning Tuesday. He signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in April. By being reinstated he will receive $90,000 from the Cowboys and can make up to $4 million if he reaches multiple incentives in the contract.
