Former Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos NFL star Alphonso Smith Jr has been found dead at a housing complex in Pahokee, Florida, with initial indications that he died by suicide. In the moments before his death, Smith posted a disturbing message on Facebook apologizing for what he was about to do and asking for forgiveness.
Smith says he “tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME!”, that he has “disappointed so many folks”, that he has a “DEMON in me”, and describes himself as a “piece of s–t.” Smith ends by saying that “I am the WORST & I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart is pure, but my BRAIN & experience is MESSED UP!!”, adding “I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
But a certain passage in Smith’s post points towards what may have fuelled this. Midway through, he says, “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!” and later, “PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL I’ve affected.”
“PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL I’ve affected.”
As White House correspondent @AlecLace points out, “He basically admits to abusing children”, though it is unclear precisely what Smith was referring to. However, in 2015, Smith was removed from his position as head coach of the Pahokee High School football team after facing allegations of what the Palm Beach Post described as “inappropriate conduct.”
Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died following a concerning post he made on Facebook.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 3, 2026
According to TMZ, Smith Jr. took his own life at a housing community in Florida.
Just four days ago, Smith Jr. shared a video of himself celebrating Pahokee High School's football… pic.twitter.com/RPMYWTZ1LS
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation, though it doesn’t appear that any criminal charges resulted. Smith himself dismissed the allegations (the exact nature of which were never publicized), saying at the time, “Some people in this community had a problem with me, and would go to great lengths to do and say some of the most obscene things to have their way. … “Sometimes when you don’t share the same vision as certain individuals, they want to have their way. That’s as far as I can go.”
He added: “It’s all about the kids. Myself and the community and the kids, we developed a really good rapport. The kids love me, and I love the kids.” The exact manner of Smith’s death has not been made public, this is a developing story, and may be updated as further details emerge.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. A list of international crisis resources can be found here.
