Former NFL Cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies At 40
PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 6:20 AM ET
Former NFL cornerback and Wake Forest standout Alphonso Smith Jr. died at the age of 40 in a Florida housing community. TMZ first reported his passing, which authorities and reports indicate occurred by suicide on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Hours prior to his death, Smith shared a lengthy message on Facebook detailing intense emotional distress, reflecting on childhood trauma, and issuing apologies to his family, friends, and children. Smith enjoyed a decorated collegiate career at Wake Forest University from 2004 to 2008, earning consensus All-American honors and setting an Atlantic Coast Conference record with 21 career interceptions. He was later inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Selected 37th overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Smith played four professional seasons in the league with the Broncos and the Detroit Lions, recording 88 tackles and eight interceptions across 42 games before his career concluded in 2012.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
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- Right Leaning:
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- Left Leaning:
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Left: Outlets highlighted mental health challenges and systemic support gaps. Center: Reports focused directly on career statistics and police findings. Right: Coverage emphasized personal responsibility and final social media statements.
TMZ published initial breaking report confirming the death on September 2, 2026. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/former-nfl-cb-alphonso-smith-jr-dies-at-40
Coverage of Story:
From Center
Former NFL Cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies At 40
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Alphonso Smith Jr., former NFL and Wake Forest defensive standout, dies at 40
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