Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. died by suicide at the age of 40, his death was reported on Wednesday. Days before his death, Smith posted a video on social media showing him approaching a door and offering to buy breakfast for an individual he referred to as “No. 3” and their family.
"Just trying to see if No. 3 and his family want breakfast — whatever they want, they getting it!" Smith said in the video before shouting towards the door, "I’m looking for No. 3 and his family, I’m gonna buy y’all breakfast, whatever y’all want today! … We gonna feed ’em."
In a separate message posted on Wednesday, Smith wrote that he had a “DEMON” in him, referred to himself as a “coward,” and referenced childhood abuse. He last played in the NFL in 2012.
Smith played college football at Wake Forest, where he earned two All-ACC First Team selections, an All-American Second Team pick, and a consensus All-American season in 2008. He was a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and had a four-year career with the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions, recording eight interceptions and 87 tackles in 42 games.
After his NFL career, Smith returned to his hometown of Pahokee, Florida, where he briefly coached at Pahokee High School. He was removed from his coaching position following allegations of inappropriate conduct. According to The Denver Post, Smith had 19 incident reports in Palm Beach County between 1999 and 2025, including an allegation of domestic battery against his then-girlfriend in 2016.
For those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-TALK (8255), or by texting 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline can also be reached by dialing 988 or by visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.