Former NFL player dead at 40 after alarming final social media post
Former NFL player dead at 40 after alarming final social media post
Rory Robinson Thu, September 3, 2026 at 12:02 AM UTC
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Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith has died at 40 after an alarming final social media post -Credit:Getty
Former Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died at 40 years old after a concerning social media post appeared shortly before his death.
The former NFL player's final Facebook message contained repeated apologies to his children, family, and friends, as well as descriptions of deep personal turmoil and a need for help. He repeatedly referred to himself as a "coward" and used self depricating language throughout the 14 paragraph message.
"Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons," Smith began his post. He later added, "I needed help & did not get it," while repeatedly apologizing to those closest to him.
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The lengthy post also included references to painful experiences from Smith’s childhood and his belief that those disclosed experiences affected his behavior later in life.
The former NFL player addressed his children directly and expressed regret over the hurt he believed he had caused others. Smith closed the post with another apology before ending the message, "I am sorry, this is it."
Smith died Wednesday in Florida after he took his own life, according to a report from TMZ.
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Smith played four NFL seasons -Credit:Getty
The Broncos selected Smith with the No. 37 pick in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He appeared in 15 games as a rookie in Denver being being traded to the Lions ahead of the 2010 season.
Smith's best professional season came during his first year in Detroit. He started 10 games, recorded five interceptions and returned one for a touchdown while also registering 39 tackles.
He added 112 interception return yards, two defensive touchdowns and 87 combined tackles. The defensive back remained with the Lions through 2012, which would later represent his final NFL season.
Smith posted a final message on social media -Credit:Getty
Smith appeared in 42 games across four NFL seasons and recorded eight interceptions including picks on Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, and more. He started his football legacy in North Carolina as a Demon Deacon.
The former defensive back played from 2005 through 2008 after a redshirt season and finished with 21 career interceptions for the most by an ACC player in records dating to 1976 and fourth-most nationally over that span.
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He also shared a four-way tie to led the NCAA with eight interceptions in 2007. Smith returned three for touchdowns and forced four fumbles before again leading the country with seven interceptions as a senior in 2008 with consensus All-America honors.
He totaled 188 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 21 interceptions and four interception-return touchdowns while also contributing as a punt returner during his college career.
If in the United States, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to http://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
Source: “AOL Sports”
