Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. found dead in Florida after distressing post
On Sept. 3, Florida authorities confirmed that former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. , 40, died by suicide on Sept.
2, 2026, after being found dead in the state. Earlier reports said Smith, a 2009 second-round draft pick who played for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos and was a Wake Forest All-American, was discovered after posting a distressing Facebook message that referenced personal trauma and demonic possession. Florida officials classified the death as a suicide.