Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr

Alphonso Smith Jr. cause of death(Getty)

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. died at 40 in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Smith was 40. 37 overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played 15 games during his rookie season before Denver traded him to the Detroit Lions in September 2010. In 2010, he started 10 games for Detroit and recorded a team-high five interceptions. He also returned one interception for a touchdown and finished the season with 39 tackles. Smith remained with the Lions through the 2012 season. Across four NFL seasons from 2009 through 2012, he played 42 games and finished with 88 tackles and eight interceptions. His NFL career ended in 2012, but his accomplishments at Wake Forest and his time with Denver and Detroit remain part of his football legacy. Now, following his death on September 2, 2026, Smith is being remembered for far more than his years on the field.

Smith died by suicide in Florida, according to reports. He wrote about fighting personal demons, apologized to people he believed he had hurt and said he had needed help. Smith died by suicide at a housing community in Florida, according to various reports.

News of his death came after the former Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions player shared a disturbing Facebook message about his personal struggles. His final words quickly drew attention as fans looked back at the career of a defensive back who once stood out at both Wake Forest and in the NFL. His final Facebook post added a painful layer to the news. The reports cited sources with direct knowledge of the situation. His death came shortly after he posted a lengthy message on Facebook. The former cornerback opened up about serious personal struggles and described trying to fight what he called “demons. He also spoke about painful experiences from his childhood and reflected on how those experiences had affected him. The Denver Broncos selected Smith No. The move gave Smith his best NFL opportunity.