Former NFL cornerback and Wake Forest football standout Alphonso Smith Jr. died Sept. 2 in his hometown of Pahokee, Florida, hours after posting an emotional message on social media describing his struggles with mental health and asking his family and friends for forgiveness. He was 40.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded shortly after 2 p.m. to the 200 block of Shirley Drive in Pahokee “in reference to a suicide attempt.” An adult male was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Wake Forest announced Smith’s death after being informed by his family, though the university’s initial statement did not disclose a cause of death. Subsequent reporting citing the sheriff’s office identified Smith’s death as suicide.

Smith Shared Emotional Message Before His Death

Shortly before his death, a deeply personal message appeared on Smith’s Facebook account in which the former NFL player discussed his mental-health struggles, apologized to people he believed he had hurt and spoke about painful experiences from his childhood.

“I needed help & did not get it!” Smith wrote in part, while repeatedly apologizing to his family and specifically addressing his children. The message also asked those close to him for forgiveness.

The post circulated widely following news of his death, prompting an outpouring of condolences from people who remembered Smith from his playing career and his years in the Pahokee community.

From Pahokee to Wake Forest and the NFL

Smith’s football career began in the same Florida community where his life ended.

At Pahokee High School, he played quarterback and defensive back and helped lead the Blue Devils to a Florida state championship in 2003. He later attended Wake Forest, where he developed into one of the most accomplished defensive backs in school history.

Smith became a two-time All-American and finished his Wake Forest career with 21 interceptions, setting what was then an Atlantic Coast Conference record. His college accomplishments eventually earned him induction into Wake Forest’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Denver Broncos selected Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. After his rookie season in Denver, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

Smith recorded eight interceptions during his NFL career, returning two for touchdowns. He appeared in 44 games across four seasons before his professional playing career ended following the 2012 season.

He Later Returned to Football and His Community

After leaving the NFL, Smith remained connected to the game.

He worked as a sideline reporter for Wake Forest football and moved into high-school coaching, eventually returning to Pahokee, where he had once been one of the community’s standout young athletes. He later served as Pahokee High School’s head football coach and worked in education.

News of his death prompted tributes from former coaches, players and members of the Pahokee football community.

Former Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe remembered Smith as someone whose personality could immediately affect the people around him, while also recalling the defensive back as a difference-maker who repeatedly delivered important plays during his college career.

Smith’s death came one day after his name appeared on the agenda for a Sept. 1 meeting of Pahokee’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where he was listed as a member—another reflection of his continuing ties to the community where his football career began.

He was 40 years old.