Reading Time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died at the age of 40 after sharing a deeply troubling message on Facebook in which he apologized to his loved ones and reflected on painful experiences from his childhood.<\/p>\n Smith, who played for the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions, reportedly died by suicide in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, according to TMZ<\/a>. <\/p>\n His death came just hours after the lengthy Facebook post appeared on his account.<\/p>\n The message immediately raised alarm, with Smith writing that he had fought what he described as \u201cdemons\u201d and insisting that he had tried everything he could to overcome them.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not want to be that WAY!\u201d Smith wrote, adding that he knew he had disappointed people and that he had \u201cHURT so many.\u201d<\/p>\n He then delivered one of the most heartbreaking portions of the message, writing:<\/p>\n \u201cI needed help & did not get it!\u201d<\/p>\n Smith continued by apologizing for his behavior and describing himself in brutally self-critical terms.<\/p>\n \u201cI am A COWARD! A HUGE COWARD!\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n He went on to address his children, writing, \u201cTo my kids, daddy is SO SORRY!\u201d<\/p>\n He also apologized to his friends, telling them that although he loved them, \u201cyour boy was f\u2013ked up!\u201d<\/p>\n Smith\u2019s message then turned toward his family and his childhood.<\/p>\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2235088589-1024x683.jpg\")