Denise Chong Highsmith, the spouse of NFL exec and former working back Alonzo Highsmith, died “unexpectedly” at the age of 61, according to a memorial service flyer posted to her Instagram on Tuesday.
It did not share a cause of dying.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Denise Elizabeth Highsmith,” the publish learn, including data about the providers. “Denise was actually one of a type—a enjoyable, loving, and free-spirited soul who embraced everyone with out judgment. She poured into the lives of others with kindness, laughter, and service, and in doing so, she discovered pleasure and success. To know her was to really feel seen, beloved, and uplifted.
“… Denise will forever be remembered for the light she brought into the world, and her spirit will live on in all of us 💜.”
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and Museum — where Highsmith was inducted in 1997 — confirmed Denise’s dying in a publish on Facebook.
The couple celebrated their thirty fifth anniversary in June.
Denise Chong Highsmith, the spouse of NFL exec and former fullback Alonzo Highsmith, died unexpectedly, according to a memorial service flyer posted to her Instagram on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Instagram/Alonzo Highsmith
Highsmith, 60, has yet to tackle the news publicly.
Highsmith was an explosive working back for the Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986.
He was the third total decide by the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft and went on to a five-year professional profession, including a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
Vikings working back Aaron Jones shared his condolences and said Denise was like a mom to him.
“Truly a living angle walking this planet… Praying for the family mama I love you and thank you for being there always checking on me and just treating me like I’m one of your kids ( I am) this one messed me up,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “I know you’re looking down protecting us from things we can’t even see. I love you🙏🏾❤️🔥🕊️.”
Alonzo Highsmith and his spouse Denise Chong Highsmith with the Miami Hurricanes mascot. Instagram
Highsmith is a senior personnel govt for the Patriots, having joined Eliot Wolf’s workers in July 2024.
The Patriots employed his son, A.J. Highsmith, as their director of professional scouting in May, according to The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price.
The elder Highsmith served as the General Manager of Football Operations for the University of Miami from 2022-23.
Before returning to his alma mater, he served as the senior govt advisor to the normal supervisor for the Seattle Seahawks from 2020-22 and vp of personnel for the Cleveland Browns from 2018-19. He spent six seasons as a senior personnel govt with the Green Bay Packers from 2012-17.
Monica Taylor, the spouse of Hurricanes line of defense coach Jason Taylor, said Denise handed away last week.
“So grateful to have shared such great memories together! She was a light to everyone around her. We will miss you so much, Denise!” Monica wrote on her Instagram Story, including photographs of them collectively.
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