Former Denver Broncos cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at age 40

Alphonso Smith Jr., a former NFL cornerback and Wake Forest University standout, has died at the age of 40. Sources told TMZ that Smith died by suicide on Wednesday at a housing community in Florida. Smith was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft after a collegiate career during which he earned two-time All-American honors and set the ACC career record with 21 interceptions. He was inducted into the Wake Forest athletic hall of fame in 2022. Following his selection by the Broncos, Smith spent time in the NFL before his career concluded. Prior to his death, Smith posted a message on Facebook expressing personal distress and a lack of access to necessary support. Authorities have confirmed his passing following the discovery of his final social media entry.

• 12:27 AMYahoo Sports — Former Denver Broncos 2nd-Round Pick Dead at 40