Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. has died, according to reports. He was 40 years old.

The former cornerback died by suicide on Wednesday in a housing community in Florida, TMZ reported, citing sources. Few other details were provided.

Just prior to his death, Smith shared an alarming post to social media on Wednesday afternoon, revealing his apparent mental and emotional struggles.

“Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME!” he wrote. “I did not want to be that WAY! I know I have disappointed so many folks. This is a DEMON in me! But not only me! It’s EVERYONE! I have HURT so many! I needed help & did not get it!”

Smith continued: “To my family, BABY, my MOM, my siblings, things happened to your boy, your brother while I was little that an older lady did onto me. As a result guys, I did the same onto others! Please forgive me!”

The former footballer also repeatedly referred to himself as a “coward” and apologized throughout the post.

“I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!” he concluded.

Smith played college football for Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where he set an Atlantic Coast Conference record for interceptions. He became a member of the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2021.

In 2009, he was the No. 37 overall pick in the NFL draft, going on to play with the Denver Broncos before he was traded to the Detroit Lions. He played for them through 2012, appearing in 42 regular-season games.

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