Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr dies aged 40 after tragic social media post

Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. has died at the age of 40.

Smith Jr. enjoyed a four-year career in the National Football League after shining at the college level, where he was named an All-American.

It is understood that the former Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions cornerback passed away by suicide on Wednesday at a housing community in Florida. Shortly before his tragic passing, Smith had taken to social media to post a troubling message that made clear his struggles.

A tragic final social media post from Alphonso Smith

Shortly after TMZ had reported his death, it emerged that Smith Jr. had used social media to ask for forgiveness from those he felt he had hurt during his short life.

“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 on Facebook.

"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!”

He also went on to apologise to his children, family and friends, as he asked for forgiveness for the pain he felt responsible for in his life. Smith also alluded to childhood trauma he had experienced and stated that he needed help that he did not get.

“I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!” he concluded in the post, which has now circulated widely on social media.

Alphonso Smith Jr.'s NFL Career

Smith played collegiate football at Wake Forest for the Demon Deacons, where he received All-American honours and was inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame back in 2021.

He was the No.37 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and went on to spend one season with the Broncos, where he played 15 times during his rookie season.

He was then traded to the Lions in exchange for Dan Gronkowski, where he spent the next three seasons. Smith was initially waived from the squad at the 2012 roster cut but was brought back into the team midseason.

During his four-year career in the NFL, Smith Jr. played in 42 games. He recorded 88 tackles and eight interceptions, with his five interceptions in 2010 the highest of any Lions player.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by the issues raised in this article, there are organisations that can help.

Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope and provides a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

CALM is a suicide prevention charity that offers free, anonymous and confidential support via their helpline and webchat for anyone who is in crisis.

PAPYRUS offer support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you’re concerned about someone you know.