Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. reportedly died at age 40 on Wednesday, September 2.
Smith died by suicide at a housing community in Florida, according to TMZ, which was first to report his death.
Further details about Smith’s death were not immediately available.
Smith’s final Facebook post, which came on Wednesday afternoon, appeared to show him in distress.
“Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME!” he wrote. “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!”
The post continued, “To my family, BABY, my MOM, my siblings, things happened to your boy, your brother while I was little that an older lady did onto me. As a result guys, I did the same onto others! Please forgive me!”
Elsewhere in the post, Smith called himself a coward before apologizing repeatedly, including once to his children.
“I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!” Smith concluded his post.
Smith played four seasons in the NFL from 2009 to 2012, his final three were with the Denver Broncos. Before that, he played four seasons at Wake Forest University from 2004 to 2008 and was named an All-American as a senior. The Demon Deacons inducted him into their athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
The Denver Broncos drafted Smith in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, where he played his rookie season. He recorded eight interceptions and 88 tackles in 42 career games.
Smith’s death comes just over a month after former offensive lineman Jordan Devey also died by apparent suicide. He was 38.
“Today would have been our 15th year anniversary. We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles and triumphs,” Jordan’s wife, Linsey Devey, wrote via Instagram on July 23, announcing her husband’s death. “We brought four beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles and compassion.”
She continued, “You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘We’ll talk soon’ ❤️.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
