By admin 
The NFL community is celebrating the start of the 2026 season on Sunday.
The first full NFL Sunday is here. Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season kicked off on Wednesday night, with the Patriots taking on the Seahawks. The 49ers then topped the Rams on Thursday evening.
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Sunday, the first full NFL day is here.
Tragically, though, two former NFL players have been found dead. Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. was found dead at 40 years old. Meanwhile, former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey was found dead at 68 years old.
Smith Jr. is believed to have died by suicide.
“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 wrote in a final post.
Suhey, meanwhile, is believed to have died from natural causes.
A spokesperson for the Lake County Coroner’s Officer told The California Post that the initial police investigation “revealed that there were no suspicious circumstances” in his death. He was found dead at home in Deerfield, Illinois.
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“Our preliminary investigation indicated that Mr. Suhey had a significant medical history and was being treated by a primary care physician (PCP),” Lake County Coroner’s Office chief deputy Steve Newton told the Post. “Therefore, our investigation was limited, and the PCP will be completing the death certificate for him, as it will be natural causes.”
NFL fans are paying tribute
NFL fans are paying tribute to the two former players on Sunday.
“Such tragic news. May they rest in peace,” one fan wrote.
“Terrible to hear about. Praying for their families,” one fan wrote.
“Awful, awful news. May they rest in peace,” one fan added.
“Horrific news. Praying for their families today,” one fan added.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of everyone involved in these awful tragedies.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 10:15 AM.