Alphonso Smith Passes Away

     One-time Palm Beach County high school football player and Pahokee native Alphonso Smith passed away at the age of 40 in Florida on Wednesday. According to police reports, he committed suicide. 

     Smith played high school football with the Pahokee Blue Devils as a quarterback and cornerback. He led the team to a FHSAA Class 2B state championship in 2003. Smith went to Wake Forest University to participate in college football from 2004 until 2008. 

     He was taken 37th overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos as a defensive back. He played his rookie season with Denver in 2009 and then was with the Detroit Lions for three seasons from 2010 to 2012. 

Chargers Add Kaiir Elam

     The Los Angeles Chargers have added former Palm Beach County high school defensive back Kaiir Elam to their practice squad. He was released by the Kansas City Chiefs this past Saturday. 

     Elam was with the Benjamin Buccaneers during high school football. He landed at the University of Florida for college football. 

Kevin Knowles To Buccaneers

     One-time Broward County high school football Kevin Knowles has been claimed off the waiver wire by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was placed on waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs. Knowles participated as a defensive back in 13 games with the Chiefs during his rookie season in 2025. 

     Knowles played in high school football with the McArthur Mustangs. He moved on to the Florida State University Seminoles for college football. 

Austin Slater Re-Signs With Rays

     Former Miami Marlins outfielder Austin Slater has re-signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. He optioned out of his minor league deal with that club on August 25. 

     Slater began the 2026 regular season with the Marlins. He finished with one run batted in and a .174 batting average in 12 contests with the Fish. 

Cam Riley & Jeremiah Franklin Released

     The Miami Dolphins have released two players from their practice squad. They are linebacker Cam Riley and tight end Jeremiah Franklin. 

     Riley played with Auburn University from 2020 to 2023 followed by Florida State University in 2024. Franklin spent four years at Boston College from 2022 until 2025. 

Rangers Ink John King

     The Texas Rangers have signed relief pitcher John King to a minor league contract. It will be his second stint with that organization. King was with them from 2020 until 2023. 

     King pitched 50 games for the Miami Marlins during the 2026 campaign. He was released by the Fish last week. 

Xavier Restrepo Back With Titans

     Former Broward County high school football wide receiver Xavier Restrepo has returned to the Tennessee Titans. He signed a contract to join their practice squad. Restrepo got to see NFL action in two games with the Titans last season. 

     Restrepo played his first three years of high school football with the St. Thomas Aquinas. He contributed to STA winning the FHSAA Class 7A state championship in 2016 during his junior year. He transferred to the Deerfield Beach Bucks for his senior season.