Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith dies by suicide at age 40

Alphonso Smith, who rose to prominence as a cornerback at Wake Forest and earned multiple All-ACC honors and a consensus All-American selection in 2008, died by suicide at the age of 40. Hours before his death, he posted a troubling message online describing himself as a “coward” and alluding to abuse he suffered in childhood. The Pahokee, Florida native spent four seasons in the NFL, beginning with the Denver Broncos after being drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, then moving to the Detroit Lions where he recorded a career-high five interceptions in 2010.

He left the league after being waived in November 2012. Smith’s career interceptions remain the most in Wake Forest history. The circumstances of his death highlight ongoing concerns about mental health among former athletes.