Former Denver Broncos cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:28 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. was found dead in Florida on September 2 at age 40 from an apparent suicide. Reports indicate his body was discovered at a residential community shortly after he posted a message on Facebook detailing personal struggles. During his four-season NFL career, Smith played for the Denver Broncos after being selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was later inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. Those experiencing emotional distress can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States and Canada.
- •Alphonso Smith Jr. died at age 40 from an apparent suicide in Florida.
- •The former defensive back played four seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.
- •Smith was an inductee of the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
- •Help is available for those struggling via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- 2:28 AMYahoo Sports — Former NFL Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Dead at 40 From Apparent Suicide
"Smith played four seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 draft.
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