Former Denver Broncos cornerback Alphonso Smith has died at age 40, according to a report from TMZ Sports.
TMZ reports that Smith died by suicide at a housing community in Florida on Wednesday. Before his death, Smith posted a heartbreaking final message on his Facebook page.
"Do not cry for me!" Smith wrote on social media. "I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME! 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! I am so sorry!"
Smith wrote that he was abused by an older woman as a boy and he later hurt others "[a]s a result."
"I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart
is pure, but my BRAIN & experience is MESSED UP," he wrote.
The Broncos traded a 2010 first-round pick to move up and select Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft following his standout college career at Wake Forest. Denver traded Smith to the Detroit Lions after one season, and the cornerback spent three seasons in Detroit. Smith recorded 87 tackles and eight interceptions during his four-year career in the NFL.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for anyone struggling with mental health, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns. The lifeline can be reached at 988 (call or text) and on online chat at 988lifeline.org.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Former Broncos DB Alphonso Smith dead at 40 after heartbreaking Facebook post
