Former NFL Star Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 40 Amid Mental Health Struggles
Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr., who played for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos, died by suicide in Florida on Sept. 2 at age 40, authorities confirmed Sept. 3 after a troubling final post. A Wake Forest standout, he later coached at Pahokee High School and worked as a barber while pursuing community football programs. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide resources.
