Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died by suicide at the age of 40 in a Florida housing community, following a deeply troubling final message posted to social media.
Smith Jr., who spent the bulk of his professional career playing for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos, passed away on Wednesday, according to TMZ.
Earlier in the day, a chilling post appeared on the former athlete's Facebook account. The message referenced "demons" and concluded with the exclamation: "THIS IS IT!"
In the post, Smith Jr. wrote about trying everything in his power to fight the demons that someone had placed inside of him.
"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," the Facebook post read. "As a result guys, I did the same onto others!"
The former defensive back did not provide any further detail about what had happened to him during his childhood, nor did he elaborate on his actions toward other people.
However, Smith Jr. described himself in the message as a person who "needed help & did not get it."
He went on to describe himself as a "coward" in the social media post, offering an apology to his children, his parents, and his friends.
"I am the WORST & I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart is pure, but my BRAIN & experience is MESSED UP," he added.
College success and NFL draft
Born in Florida, Smith Jr. made his name playing college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons from 2004 to 2008. Wake Forest University, a private institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
During his four seasons at Wake Forest, the highly touted prospect amassed 188 total tackles and intercepted 21 passes, establishing himself as one of the standout defensive players in the college game.
His collegiate success translated into a high selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, the annual event in which professional franchises select newly eligible players. The Denver Broncos chose Smith Jr. with the 37th overall pick in the second round.
The Broncos, based in Denver, Colorado, compete in the American Football Conference West division. Smith Jr. played his rookie season in Denver before moving on to his next destination in the league.
Following his brief time with the Broncos, the team traded him to the Detroit Lions in 2010. The Lions, based in Detroit, Michigan, are a historic franchise competing in the National Football Conference North division.
The cornerback went on to play three seasons in Detroit before his NFL career came to a close following the 2012 season. Over the course of his professional tenure, Smith Jr. appeared in 42 regular-season games, recording a total of 88 tackles and eight interceptions.
Recent tragedy in the NFL community
The death of Smith Jr. comes just over a month after the passing of another former NFL player, Jordan Devey, who also died by suicide at the age of 38.
Devey, an offensive lineman who won a Super Bowl championship during his career, died in July. The Super Bowl is the annual league championship game of the NFL and serves as the final contest of the season.
His wife, Lindsey, shared the news of his death in an emotional tribute posted to Instagram on what would have been the couple's 15th wedding anniversary.
"We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs," Lindsey wrote alongside photographs of the couple together.
"We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence," she continued. "We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, 'we'll talk soon.'"
A GoFundMe campaign was subsequently launched on behalf of the family, confirming that Devey had taken his own life and leaving behind his wife and four young children.
"Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time," the fundraising page reads.
"As they face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including mounting medical expenses, the community is coming together to support Lindsey and their children."
Devey's extensive playing career
Devey went undrafted out of the University of Memphis in 2013 before embarking on an eight-season career in the professional ranks.
He spent time with several organizations across the league, including the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills.
The NFL currently consists of 32 teams divided equally between the National Football Conference and the American Football Conference. Devey ultimately announced his retirement from the sport in 2021.
The versatile lineman appeared in 44 regular-season games throughout his professional career, making 21 starts during his stints with the Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs, and Raiders.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
