Alphonso Smith Jr. Dies at 39: Former NFL Cornerback Passes Away in Florida

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died by suicide in Florida after sharing a troubling final message on social media.

Smith, who previously played in the National Football League, appeared to reflect on his personal struggles and apologise to his family, friends and others he believed he had hurt in the lengthy post.

In the message, Smith said he had tried to fight what he described as his “demons” and urged people not to mourn him.

He also expressed remorse to his children, writing, “To my kids, daddy is SO SORRY!”

Smith further disclosed that he had experienced an unspecified incident involving an older woman during his childhood, claiming that the experience later influenced his own behaviour toward others.

He repeatedly asked people he may have hurt to forgive him and urged them to pray for their families.

The former football player also described himself as struggling mentally and emotionally before ending the post with another apology and the words, “THIS IS IT.”

Smith’s death has left family, friends and former associates mourning, while further details surrounding the circumstances of his death continue to emerge.

Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or struggling with emotional distress is encouraged to seek immediate help from a trusted person, mental health professional or local emergency service.