Former NFL Football Player Committed Suicide After a Very Emotional Post on Facebook

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr., who starred at Wake Forest University before beginning a professional football career with the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 36.

According to TMZ Sports, sources with direct knowledge say Smith died by suicide Wednesday at a housing community in Florida.

Smith’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly in North Carolina, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top defensive backs during his college career.

Final Facebook Post Raises Concerns About His Mental Health

Before his death, Smith shared a deeply emotional message on Facebook in which he described battling what he called “demons” and expressed regret over people he believed he had hurt.

Smith wrote that he had tried to fight his struggles and said that he needed help but did not receive it.

The former NFL player also apologized repeatedly in the post and referenced abuse he said he experienced as a young boy.

His final message provided a heartbreaking glimpse into the emotional struggles he was experiencing before his death.

Smith’s comments underscore the importance of recognizing mental-health struggles and seeking support, particularly for former athletes who can face significant challenges after their playing careers come to an end.

A Standout Career at Wake Forest

Before reaching the NFL, Smith became one of the most accomplished defensive backs in Wake Forest football history.

Smith was a standout cornerback for the Demon Deacons and established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

His college success ultimately led to the 2009 NFL Draft, where the Denver Broncos selected him.

Smith spent one season with Denver before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2010.

He went on to play three seasons with Detroit before his NFL career ended following the 2012 season.

Over 42 NFL games, Smith recorded 88 tackles and eight interceptions.

While his professional career was relatively brief, his accomplishments at Wake Forest made him a memorable player in the program’s history.

Remembering Alphonso Smith

Smith’s death leaves former teammates, coaches, friends and family members mourning the loss of a player who once stood among the best defensive backs in college football.

His final social-media message also serves as a reminder that people can be facing serious personal battles even when those struggles may not be visible to others.

Mental-health professionals encourage anyone experiencing a crisis or thoughts of suicide to seek immediate help. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.

For those who knew Smith, his legacy will extend beyond the circumstances of his death and include the football career and accomplishments he built at Wake Forest and in the NFL.