Wake Forest Mourns Hall of Famer Alphonso Smith, ACC Career Interceptions Leader

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest Athletics is mourning former football standout Alphonso Smith, who died Sept. 2, 2026.

Smith, inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2025, remains the ACC career leader with 21 interceptions and ranks second in school history with 61 passes defended. He was a key member of Wake Forest’s 2006 ACC championship team and later earned first-team All-ACC and All-America honors during his college career.

The Denver Broncos selected Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. His professional career also included time with the Detroit Lions.

Wake Forest remembered Smith not only for his impact on the field but also for the energy and personality he brought to the program.