NFL rocked by tragedy as former star dies by suicide at 40… shortly after troubling final social media post about fighting ‘demons’

Former NFL star Alphonso Smith Jr. has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 40.

The former Detroit Lions cornerback passed away at a housing community in Florida on Wednesday, according to TMZ. 

A chilling final Facebook post on Smith Jr.’s account referenced ‘demons’ and concluded by saying ‘THIS IS IT!’

He wrote: ‘Do not cry for me! 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!

He also called himself a ‘coward’ and added: ‘I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!’

Smith Jr. played college football at Wake Forest from 2004 to 2008 before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009. They traded him to the Lions one year later and he went on to play three seasons in Detroit.

His NFL career ended after the 2012 season. He played 42 games and recorded 88 tackles and eight interceptions. 

More to follow.