Alphonso Smith Jr., the former NFL cornerback who played for several teams during his pro football career, has reportedly died by suicide. He was 40.
Smith Jr., best known to many fans for his time with the Detroit Lions, died Wednesday at a residential community in Florida, according to TMZ.
Earlier that same day, a troubling message appeared on Smith Jr.’s Facebook page, where the former NFL player wrote about battling “demons” before ending the post with the words: “THIS IS IT!”
In the post, he said he had done everything he could to confront the pain he described, writing that he tried “everything in my power” to fight what he said had been placed inside him.
The message also addressed his family directly, including his mother, siblings and child, and alleged that something happened to him when he was young involving an older woman. He then wrote that, as a result, he had repeated harmful behavior toward others.
Smith Jr. did not provide specific details about the alleged childhood incident or the actions he referenced, but he described himself in the post as someone who “needed help” and did not receive it.
Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. has reportedly died by suicide at age 40
A troubling Facebook message posted Wednesday on Smith Jr.’s account referred to personal “demons”
Smith Jr. played college football at Wake Forest before being drafted by the Denver Broncos
He went on to blast himself as a ‘coward’ while apologizing to his children, parents, and friends.
‘I am the WORST & I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart is pure, but my BRAIN & experience is MESSED UP,’ he added.
A Florida native, Smith Jr. played college football at Wake Forest from 2004 to 2008 before being selected by the Denver Broncos with the 37th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
During his college career at Wake Forest, Smith amassed 188 total tackles over four seasons to go with 21 total interceptions.
The Broncos traded him to the Lions in 2010 and he went on to play three seasons in Detroit before his NFL career ended after the 2012 season.
In total, Smith Jr. played in 42 NFL games and recorded 88 tackles and eight interceptions.
His death comes just over a month after Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey also died by suicide at the age of 38.
Devey’s wife, Lindsey, shared the news in an emotional Instagram tribute posted on what would have been the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.
Former NFL star and Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey has died by suicide at 38 in July
‘We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs,’ Lindsey wrote alongside photos of the couple.
‘We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. 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.”‘
A GoFundMe campaign launched on behalf of the family confirmed Devey died by suicide, leaving behind his wife and four young children.
‘Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,’ the page reads.
‘As they face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including mounting medical expenses, the community is coming together to support Lindsey and their children.’
Devey, who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2013, spent eight seasons in the NFL, playing for the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2021.
Over the course of his professional career, he appeared in 44 regular-season games and made 21 starts across stints with the Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs and Raiders.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
