Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died. He was 40.
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Smith, a former All-ACC player at Wake Forest, was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 37th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was then traded to the Detroit Lions in September of 2010.
According to TMZ Sports, Smith died by suicide on Wednesday.
Former NFL Cornerback Dies by Suicide
Before his death, the former Wake Forest standout shared a disturbing goodbye message on social media.
"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."
Smith also shared a message to his loved ones in the post.
"To my kids, daddy is SO SORRY! To my friends, I love you all, but your boy was f----d up."
Smith also hinted that he suffered abuse at the hands of an older woman during his childhood and that he "did the same to others."
NFL Fans Mourn Alphonso Smith Jr.
In the wake of the news, football fans from various fan bases expressed condolences.
"My sincerest condolences to his loved ones. RIP," a user wrote on X.
"40 is way too young," a fan wrote, referring to Smith's age. "Rest in peace, Alphonso Smith Jr. Prayers to his family and everyone who knew him," an X user replied.
"Wake Forest legend," someone commented.
"Your talent, resilience and the light you shared will never be forgotten," another commented.
Smith finished his Wake Forest career with 188 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 21 interceptions and four pick-sixes. He earned All-American and All-ACC honors in 2007 and 2008.
He spent three seasons with the Detroit Lions, amassing 87 tackles and eight interceptions during that span. His best season came in 2010, when he started 10 games for the Lions and recorded three interceptions.
