Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL defensive back and Wake Forest University star player, has died aged 40 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Smith died by suicide in Florida, according to a report that appeared in TMZ, with authorities having not yet disclosed details to what actually happened that led to his death.
Smith, at the college level, played football at Wake Forest University, where he set an Atlantic Coast Conference recording of 21 interceptions and became a member of the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2022.
Following his death, Smith’s last Facebook post circulated widely on social media, highlighting that he was struggling with mental health issues.
In the post, Alphonso wrote, “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!”
He apologises multiple times in the post and calls himself a “coward”.
Smith ended the post by writing, “I’m SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
Smith, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009, though after one year with the team, was transferred to the Detroit Lions.
At Lions, he appeared in three seasons, announcing retirement after playing the 2012 season.
He posted 88 tackles and 8 interceptions in 42 NFL matches.
2026-09-03 15:50:00
