Former NFL Cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 40 After Final Facebook Post
Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died at the age of 40 after leaving behind a deeply troubling message on social media.
TMZ reported that Smith died Wednesday in an apparent suicide at a housing community in Florida. Shortly before his death, the former player posted on Facebook about the “demon” inside him and the people he believed he had hurt.
Smith began the post by describing his struggle with what he called demons. He also wrote that he never wanted to become the person he felt he had become.
“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.”
He continued by saying the problem was bigger than just himself and that he had needed help.
“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!”
Smith also appeared to suggest that an older woman had sexually abused him when he was a child. He said he later repeated that harm against other young people.
“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!”
He ended the message with what appeared to be an indication that he planned to end his life.
“I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
MLFootball later shared the final Facebook message on X, describing Smith as being in severe emotional distress before his reported death.
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Former #NFL CB Alphonso Smith Jr.’s final Facebook post revealed that he was experiencing severe emotional distress before his reported death by suicide.
“Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into… https://t.co/CW4r5AqhDE pic.twitter.com/DLUyEZSO5G
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) September 2, 2026
Smith played four seasons in the NFL from 2009 through 2012. The Denver Broncos selected him in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, and he spent one season with the team.
In 2010, Denver traded Smith to the Detroit Lions. He played his final three NFL seasons in Detroit, finishing his career with 88 tackles and eight interceptions. He led the Lions with five interceptions in 2010.
Before reaching the NFL, Smith played four seasons at Wake Forest University from 2004 to 2008. He earned All-American honors as a senior with the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest later inducted him into its athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.