Chargers former GM AJ Smith dead at 75, family announces

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A.J. Smith, the winningest general manager in Los Angeles Chargers history, has died, the family announced Sunday. He was 75.

Smith had been battling prostate cancer for several years, his family noted in their announcement.

"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. 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," Chargers owner and board chair Dean Spanos said in a statement.

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A.J. Smith (Kent C. Horner/Getty Images/File)

"Our hearts are with his wife Sue, son Kyle, daughter Andrea and the entire Smith family during this difficult time."

Smith’s journey in the NFL didn’t start at the top as he worked his way up from a part-time scout of the then-San Diego Chargers to general manager in 2003.

Smith built the franchise to its best years from 2003 to 2012, when it won 98 games during his 10 seasons.

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One of the most infamous moves in NFL Draft history came with Smith at the helm in 2004, when Eli Manning and his father, Archie, requested the Chargers not draft him first overall out of Ole Miss. But Smith did it anyway and orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants to have them draft Philip Rivers while also acquiring more draft picks.

Smith would use those to draft three-time Pro Bowl