Ex-Chargers GM and RI native A.J. Smith dies at 75; played for Bishop Hendricken in ’60s

A.J. Smith, a Rhode Island native and 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 was a North Smithfield native who starred for Bishop Hendricken in the mid-1960s and dreamed of playing at the next level, but an injury during his senior year changed those plans. He worked as a part-time scout and film grader for the Patriots while teaching physical education at a Providence middle school.

Smith worked 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 selected Eli Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft despite father Archie Manning having requested that 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.

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, to whom Smith had refused to talk during the campaign because of their frosty relationship.

The coaching search was held in February, leading to Norv Turner becoming the new head man. San Diego reached the 2007 AFC Championship Game before losing to the Patriots in Foxboro. The Chargers have not advanced that far 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.

In 2013, he returned to Rhode Island to speak at his former high school. “You can’t be a bigger dreamer than I am,” Smith told the Hendricken seniors. “You’re going to have your ups and downs. Life isn’t always going to be rosy. But don’t sit in a corner and sulk. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.”

Smith is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Kyle; daughter, Andrea; son-in-law, Noah; and three grandchildren.