‘I am so sorry’: Former NFL star dies tragically after concerning Facebook post

The NFL world is in mourning just days before the start of the 2026 season as former NFL star Alphonso Smith Jr. has tragically died at the age of 40 after a concerning post on Facebook.

The news comes after Smith made a Facebook post in which he referred to himself as a "coward" and said he is "so sorry."

Smith emerged as a star cornerback for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where he played from 2004 to 2008.

During his senior season at Wake Forest, he started all 13 games and emerged as one of the top corners in the country, earning consensus All-American honors. He was also one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and continues to hold the ACC record for interceptions in a career with 21.

Following his standout college football career, Smith was selected with the No. 37 overall pick by the Denver Broncos. After spending the 2009 season with the Broncos, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he played from 2010 to 2012 when his football career came to an end.

According to a report from TMZ Sports , Smith took his own life at a housing community in Florida after posting a concerning message on Facebook.

"Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME! 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! I am so sorry! I am a piece of sh*t! It's a lot of you that are! I am A COWARD! A HUGE COWARD! I am so sorry…

"To my kids, daddy is SO SORRY! To my friends, I love you all, but your boy was f*cked up! To my family, BABY, my MOM, my siblings, things happened to your boy, your brother while I was little that an older lady did onto me. As a result guys, I did the same onto others! Please forgive me!

"Please pray over your families! PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL I've affected! I am the WORST & I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart is pure, but my BRAIN & experience is MESSED UP!!"

Smith ended his letter with "I'm SORRY! THIS IS IT!"

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