Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40
Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL cornerback, died Wednesday in Florida, according to Wake Forest University. He was 40.
This story contains discussion of suicide. Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters. Call or text 988 for help.
The school’s release didn’t reveal a cause of death. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office told The Associated Press that sheriff’s deputies had responded to a Pahokee address “in reference to a suicide attempt” on Wednesday afternoon.
“An adult male was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Smith appeared to post on his Facebook account on Wednesday, lamenting his mental health challenges, apologizing and asking for forgiveness.
“Do not cry for me!” a post read on his account. “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 so sorry!”
Handout
In this handout image provided by the NFL, Alphonso Smith of the Detroit Lions poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.
Smith Jr. was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009 before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2010. He retired after the 2012 season.
Smith Jr. attended Wake Forest University and was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Gregory Shamus
Alphonso Smith #27 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a touchdown after a second quarter interception while playing the the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 11, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
