Jim Tomsula did not have many memorable moments during his one season as 49ers head coach.
But one lasting image took place early in training camp on the day the 49ers released edge rusher Aldon Smith after a string of alcohol-related arrests.
"If one person out there reads this, and you’re struggling, get help, go get it, you’re worth it," an emotional Tomsula said. "Get the help, you don’t have to walk alone. Find it. It’s there.”
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Smith eventually found help.
And because Smith turned his life around, Smith has provided Tomsula with some help for the Dallas Cowboys.
Tomsula, now the Cowboys' defensive line coach, gave Smith a resounding endorsement in the offseason. In April, the Cowboys signed Smith, who had not played in the NFL since a nine-game stint with the Raiders in 2015.
"It's been great to have Aldon here," Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday on a conference call with Bay Area reporters. "I just think his personal story, his flight, to be doing what he's doing is something unique and special.
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"He's been fun to work with -- a very creative individual. Personality-wise, I didn't know what to expect. But Jimmy was adamant about having the opportunity for him to be here, and it's been great to see him do what he's been able to do and come back from what he's been able to endure."
Smith, 31, leads the Cowboys with five sacks this season. He returned a fumble 78 yards on Sunday for his first career touchdown in Dallas' 30-7 victory over Cincinnati.
This week, Smith will face his former team when the 49ers meet the Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.
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In May, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Smith from an indefinite substance-abuse suspension dating back to the 2015 season.
"To see the support he had around him and have the opportunity to meet him, and, obviously, our organization did some research," McCarthy said. "You give a player an opportunity and clearly the next step is what he does with it. He's definitely answered the bell there.
"He's been very consistent in everything we've asked him to do. So it's been great to have him part of our football team."
Smith's career got off to a tremendous start with the 49ers after being selected with the No. 7 overall pick in 2011.
He registered 44 sacks in 50 games over four seasons with the 49ers. He was voted as the Bill Walsh Award winner, as the 49ers MVP, during the Super Bowl season of 2012. He recorded 19.5 sacks that season.
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Smith played in just 18 games over his final two seasons with the 49ers. In 2013, he entered a rehabilitation facility during the season. The following year, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies.
The 49ers finally released him on Aug. 7, 2015, following his third DUI arrest while with the organization.