Aldon Smith on reinstatement: 'I want to be a source of inspiration'

Aldon Smith is intent on getting his life back on track after being conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday.

The pass-rusher signed with the Dallas Cowboys last month in hopes of returning to the league after a four-year absence and expressed his excitement over his second chance.

"I think the overall emotion is I'm grateful, I'm really grateful," Smith told TMZ Sports, according to ESPN. "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.

"I just want my story to spread and help out others," he continued. "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 quickly established himself as a premier pass-rusher once he entered the league in 2011, racking up 42 sacks over his first three seasons.

However, the pass-rusher's career was derailed by off-field issues, including four arrests for driving under the influence. He is reportedly now sober following his most recent arrest in June 2019.

Despite an extended period of time away from football, the 30-year-old is confident he can return to form in 2020.

"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."