Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL cornerback who played for the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions, has died at 40.
Smith died by suicide Wednesday (September 2) in Florida, sources with direct knowledge told TMZ. Additional details surrounding his death were not immediately available.
Hours before his death, Smith shared a lengthy Facebook post, describing his personal struggles and apologizing to his loved ones. “I know I have disappointed so many folks,” he wrote. “This is a DEMON in me! But not only me! It’s EVERYONE! I have HURT so many! I needed help & did not get it!"
Smith apologized to his children, friends and family and disclosed that he experienced abuse as a child and said those experiences contributed to harm he later caused others.
Before his NFL career, Smith established himself as one of Wake Forest’s top defensive backs. He finished his college career with 21 interceptions, an Atlantic Coast Conference record, and earned consensus All-American honors in 2008.
Smith went on to play four seasons in the NFL from 2009 to 2012 with the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions.Wake Forest inducted Smith into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line.
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