Former NFL CB Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40

Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL cornerback and the 37th overall pick in the 2009 draft, has died. He was 40.

Via TMZ, Smith died by suicide at a Florida housing community on Wednesday.

Before his passing, Smith posted a troubling message on Facebook that made his struggles clear.

Drafted by Denver, Smith was traded to the Lions in 2010. He played through 2012, appearing in 42 regular-season games with 11 starts.

Smith spent four years at Wake Forest. He was a consensus All-American in 2008. He was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

We extend our condolences to Smith’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.