Former NFL Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 40

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Former NFL Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 40

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Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL cornerback, died at the age of 40 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Pahokee, Florida. Reports from multiple sources, including TMZ, indicate that Smith died by suicide at a housing community in Florida.

Hours before his death, Smith posted a lengthy and disturbing message on Facebook. In the post, he spoke about battling personal “demons,” apologized to those he believed he had hurt, and expressed that he had needed help. He also alluded to childhood trauma and how it impacted his life.

Smith was a standout player at Wake Forest University, where he set an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record with 21 career interceptions and earned consensus All-American honors in 2008. He was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The Denver Broncos selected Smith as the 37th overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. After playing 15 games in his rookie season, he was traded to the Detroit Lions in September 2010. During his time with the Lions, Smith started 10 games in 2010 and recorded a team-high five interceptions that season. He played four seasons in the NFL from 2009 to 2012, appearing in 42 games with 88 tackles and 8 interceptions.

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