TMZ Sports reported that Smith died Wednesday at a housing community in Florida. Sources with direct knowledge told the outlet that his death was by suicide.
Smith had posted a series of alarming messages on Facebook shortly before his death, writing about his emotional struggles and repeatedly apologizing to people in his life.
“I needed help & did not get it!” Smith wrote in part.
He also referenced trauma he said he experienced as a child and indicated that he had been struggling internally for some time. His final message ended with another apology.
Smith starred at Wake Forest from 2004 through 2008, becoming one of the best defensive backs in school history. He earned All-American honors as a senior and was later inducted into the Wake Forest Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
The Denver Broncos selected Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season in Denver before being traded to the Detroit Lions.
Smith played three seasons with the Lions and finished his NFL career after the 2012 season.
Across 42 NFL games, he recorded 88 tackles and eight interceptions.
Smith’s death comes less than four years after Wake Forest honored him with induction into its athletic hall of fame.
