The Chargers are mourning the passing of former General Manager A.J. Smith, who spent a decade leading the Bolts front office in one of the most successful runs in franchise history.
Smith passed away Sunday at the age of 75.
“Belying a tough, matter of fact and no-nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a true football guy — was AJ’s softer side which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers,” Dean Spanos, Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board, said in a statement. “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. Our hearts are with his wife Sue, son Kyle, daughter Andrea and the entire Smith family during this difficult time.”
Ed McGuire, the Chargers Executive Vice President of Football Administration/Player Finance, echoed Spanos’ sentiment about Smith.
“A.J. was tough and no-nonsense, but was also misunderstood as solely being a hard-ass,” McGuire said. “A.J. loved his family, his team, and his players. He wanted so badly to win a championship for everyone.”
Smith was hired in 2003 and spent 10 seasons as the Chargers GM. He was at the helm for 98 total victories, including the postseason.
With the Chargers holding the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith turned that selection into a haul of future stars including quarterback Philip Rivers, linebacker Shawne Merriman and others.
Smith also signed tight end Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003 in one of the greatest roster moves in franchise history. Gates is the Bolts all-time leader in receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown catches (116).
The Bolts would win the 2004 AFC West crown to spark a run that included five division titles in a six-season span.
John Spanos, Chargers President of Football Operations, noted the profound impact Smith had on him more…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…