Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40
Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL player and Wake Forest Hall of Fame inductee, died by suicide at a Florida housing community at age 40.
Alphonso Smith Jr., a former professional football cornerback who played for the Detroit Lions after being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009, died by suicide on Wednesday at a housing community in Florida. Smith was 40 years old.
Smith, a Wake Forest University standout from 2004 to 2008, earned All-American honors in his senior season and was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2022. During his NFL career he appeared in 42 games, recording 88 tackles and eight interceptions.
According to sources, Smith posted a final message on Facebook expressing emotional distress and apologizing to others before his death. The post referenced personal struggles and past abuse.
"Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME! I did not want to be that WAY! I know I have disappointed so many folks. 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! I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!"
The family and former teammates have not yet released a public statement.