Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing a TMZ Sports report, say former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. was found dead in a Florida housing community and that sources told TMZ he died by suicide.
- Hours before his death, Smith posted a long Facebook message saying he had fought long‑running “demons,” alluding to childhood abuse by “an older lady,” repeatedly apologizing and ending with “I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
- Smith was a Wake Forest standout who set an ACC career interceptions mark, was a consensus All‑American, was inducted into Wake Forest’s Hall of Fame, and played four NFL seasons after being taken 37th overall in the 2009 draft.
- News organizations note that the TMZ account is based on sources with direct knowledge and that Florida authorities and medical examiners had not publicly released independent confirmation of the cause of death at the time of reporting.
- Coverage is prompting renewed attention to mental‑health resources and support for current and former players, and reporters say investigators, family statements, and official records are expected to provide further details.