A former American NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died.

He was 40.

The circumstances behind his death suggested that the former Denver Broncos star died by suicide on Wednesday at a housing community in Florida.

Before his demise, he shared a lengthy post where he opened up about his emotional struggles, apologising to his friends, those he hurt and repeatedly calling himself a ‘coward” thate couldn’t face the “demons” he battled.

“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 said.

Smith added, “I am the worst, and I pray my soul rest in heaven for my heart is pure, but my brain & experience are messed up. Once again to ALL! I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”

He was born on October 20, 1985, in Pahokee, Florida. 

Smith’s professional career began when he was picked by the Denver Broncos 37th overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, after incredible performances while he played college football at Wake Forest University.

In 2010, he was traded to the Detroit Lions and set a career record of five interceptions during the season. 

Across four seasons in the NFL between 2009 and 2012, he made 42 appearances, registering 88 tackles and eight interceptions.