Alphonso Smith Jr. Cause of Death: Ex-NFL Star Reportedly Dies by Suicide at 40 After Troubling Final Post

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 40, hours after sharing a troubling social media post in which he referenced childhood abuse and described himself as a 'coward.'

According to reports, Smith died on Wednesday, bringing renewed attention to the former Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions player's final social media activity. Smith had built an impressive football career before leaving the NFL, including a record-setting spell at Wake Forest that established him as one of the programme's most accomplished defensive players.

Alphonso Smith Jr.'s Cause of Death

Smith's death was reported as a suicide by TMZ. Based on the information available, an official cause and manner of death from authorities has not been publicly detailed.

The circumstances surrounding his death have drawn particular attention because of a post Smith reportedly shared on social media just hours earlier.

In the message, Smith called himself a 'coward' and referenced abuse he said he experienced as a child. His comments provided a deeply personal glimpse into experiences from his past, although no direct connection between the subjects discussed in the post and his reported suicide has been officially established.

Smith was 40 at the time of his death.

Troubling Final Post Referenced Childhood Abuse

Smith's final social media post has drawn attention following reports of his death, particularly because it was shared just hours earlier.

In the post, the former NFL player spoke about what he described as personal 'demons' and suggested he had been struggling despite seeking help.

'I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME,' Smith wrote, adding: 'I needed help & did not get it!'

Smith also referenced abuse he said he suffered as a child and expressed regret over hurting and disappointing people in his life. He wrote, 'I have HURT so many!' while describing an internal struggle he said he had been unable to overcome.

The post does not establish what led to Smith's reported suicide, and authorities have not publicly linked the issues he described to his death.

Who Was Alphonso Smith Jr.?

Smith emerged as an elite defensive back during his college career at Wake Forest, earning two All-ACC First Team selections and All-American recognition.

He led Division I college football in interceptions in consecutive seasons, recording eight in 2007 and seven in 2008. During the 2007 campaign, he also returned three interceptions for touchdowns.

Smith finished his Wake Forest career with 21 interceptions, a programme record. His final college season in 2008 earned him consensus All-American honours and helped establish him as a highly rated NFL prospect.

Alphonso Smith Jr.'s NFL Career With Broncos, Lions

The Denver Broncos selected Smith with the 37th overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

After one season in Denver, he was traded to the Detroit Lions before the 2010 campaign. Smith recorded a career-high five interceptions that season before adding another three in 2011.

His playing time declined in 2012, when he appeared in four games before the Lions waived him in November. He was not subsequently signed by another NFL team, bringing his four-season professional career to an end.

Smith's death comes years after his final NFL appearance but has returned attention to a college career in which he established records that endured long after he left Wake Forest.

Anyone in the US experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.