Former Wake Forest and NFL defensive back Alphonso Smith dies at 40
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 11:42 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
Alphonso Smith, who played collegiate football at Wake Forest and spent four seasons in the NFL, has died at the age of 40. The announcement came from Wake Forest officials on September 3, 2026. Smith was recognized during his collegiate career as a two-time All-America selection. Following his time in college, he transitioned to the professional level where he competed for four seasons. No specific cause of death has been disclosed by university representatives. Further details regarding arrangements or additional statements have not been provided at this time.
- •Alphonso Smith died at age 40.
- •Wake Forest announced the death on September 3, 2026.
- •Smith was a two-time All-America defensive back.
- •He played four seasons in the NFL.
- •No cause of death was provided.
- 12:24 AMESPN — Former Wake Forest, NFL DB Smith dies at 40
"Alphonso Smith, a two-time All-America defensive back who played four seasons in the NFL, has died, according to Wake Forest. No cause of death was given.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 2:46 AMSource: Eagles' Sirianni among 3 coaches fined $250K for conduct toward refs- NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 2:30 AMThursday's Time Schedule
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 2:06 AMRaiders’ Brock Bowers managing hamstring, calf injuries before Rams game
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 2:03 AMRashid Shaheed limited Wednesday
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 2:01 AMPodcast: Detroit Lions have big test vs. Packers. Sam LaPorta's status.
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 1:54 AMZach Charbonnet logs full practice Wednesday