Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. died by suicide at the age of 40, according to reports. Smith, who played cornerback for the Detroit Lions, passed away at a housing community in Florida on Wednesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, a post appeared on Smith Jr.'s Facebook account that alluded to "demons" and stated, "THIS IS IT!"
"I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME!" the post read. "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!"
Smith did not provide further specifics about the events he described, but indicated he "needed help & did not get it." He also referred to himself as a "coward" in the post and apologized to his children, parents, and friends.
Originally from Florida, Smith played college football at Wake Forest from 2004 to 2008. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2009 NFL Draft. During his college career, he recorded 188 total tackles and 21 interceptions over four seasons. The Broncos traded him to the Lions in 2010, where he played for three seasons before concluding his NFL career after the 2012 season. In total, Smith played in 42 NFL games, accumulating 88 tackles and eight interceptions.
Smith's death follows that of Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey, who also died by suicide in July at the age of 38. Devey's wife announced his death on Instagram, stating that he took his own life, leaving behind his wife and four children. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his family, citing mounting medical expenses and overwhelming emotional and financial challenges.
Devey, who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2013, played for eight seasons in the NFL with teams including the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills. He retired in 2021 after appearing in 44 regular-season games and making 21 starts.
For those in the US who need support, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Online chat services are also available at 988lifeline.org.