Alphonso Smith Jr. cause of death: How did the former Broncos cornerback die at 40?

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. died at 40 in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. News of his death came after the former Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions player shared a disturbing Facebook message about his personal struggles. His final words quickly drew attention as fans looked back at the career of a defensive back who once stood out at both Wake Forest and in the NFL.According to reports, Smith died by suicide in Florida. His final Facebook post added a painful layer to the news. He wrote about fighting personal demons, apologized to people he believed he had hurt and said he had needed help. Alphonso Smith Jr. cause of death: Reports say he died by suicide in FloridaAccording to various reports, Smith died by suicide at a housing community in Florida. The reports cited sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Smith was 40. His death came shortly after he posted a lengthy message on Facebook. The former cornerback opened up about serious personal struggles and described trying to fight what he called “demons.” He also spoke about painful experiences from his childhood and reflected on how those experiences had affected him.“Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME!” Smith wrote in his final Facebook post.The message became even more concerning as Smith continued. He apologized to his children, family, friends and others he believed he had hurt. He also indicated that he had tried to get help.“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 wrote on Facebook.He ended the post with another apology and the words, “I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”The message has since become a major part of the coverage surrounding his death. Still, the circumstances of his final moments remain private, and reports have offered only limited details about what happened in Florida.Alphonso Smith Jr. made his name with Wake Forest before reaching the NFLSmith’s football story started at Wake Forest, where he developed into one of the ACC’s top defensive backs. He finished his college career with 21 interceptions, a Wake Forest record and an ACC mark at the time.The Denver Broncos selected Smith No. 37 overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played 15 games during his rookie season before Denver traded him to the Detroit Lions in September 2010.The move gave Smith his best NFL opportunity. In 2010, he started 10 games for Detroit and recorded a team-high five interceptions. He also returned one interception for a touchdown and finished the season with 39 tackles.Smith remained with the Lions through the 2012 season. Across four NFL seasons from 2009 through 2012, he played 42 games and finished with 88 tackles and eight interceptions.His NFL career ended in 2012, but his accomplishments at Wake Forest and his time with Denver and Detroit remain part of his football legacy. Now, following his death on September 2, 2026, Smith is being remembered for far more than his years on the field.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.