Former NFL Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 40

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr., a standout at Wake Forest University and a four-year veteran of the league, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the age of 40. Authorities responded to a suicide attempt call at a housing community in Pahokee, Florida, where Smith was transported to a hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. Smith's death followed a lengthy and distressing message he posted on his Facebook account earlier that day. In the post, Smith discussed significant mental health struggles, referencing childhood trauma and abuse he said he endured. He wrote about battling internal "demons" and expressed a feeling of needing help that he believed he did not receive. The message included apologies to his children, family, and friends, and concluded with phrases that appeared to signal a final farewell. A two-time All-American and two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection at Wake Forest, Smith set an ACC record with 21 career interceptions. He was inducted into the university's athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. The Denver Broncos selected Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.