Alphonso Smith Jr. — a former NFL player and star cornerback at Wake Forest University — has died. On Wednesday (September 2), TMZ confirmed his passing after he left an alarming final post on social media, which reference abuse. Sources told the outlet that he died by suicide at a housing community in Florida.
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In the emotional post, Smith repeatedly apologized to his family and friends. He leaves behind his mother, siblings, and children. Smith also included a reference to abuse suffered at the hands of an older woman when he was a little boy. He admitted, “As a result, I did the same onto others!”
Smith’s post read:
“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**ked 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 !! … Once again to ALLLLLL! I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
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According to TMZ, Smith attended Wake Forest from 2004 to 2008. During his final season, he earned All-American honors. He was also inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2022.
In 2009, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. However, they ended up trading him to the Detroit Lions the following year. In Detroit, he played three seasons. Finally, he ended his NFL career in 2012. Across 42 NFL games, he racked up 88 tackles and 8 interceptions.
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