Denise Chong Highsmith, the wife of NFL exec and former running 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 death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Denise Elizabeth Highsmith,” the post read, including information about the services. “Denise was truly one of a kind—a fun, loving, and free-spirited soul who embraced everyone without judgment. She poured into the lives of others with kindness, laughter, and service, and in doing so, she found joy and fulfillment. To know her was to feel seen, loved, 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 death in a post on Facebook.
The couple celebrated their 35th anniversary in June.
Highsmith, 60, has yet to address the news publicly.
Highsmith was an explosive running back for the Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986.
He was the third overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft and went on to a five-year pro career, including a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones shared his condolences and said Denise was like a mother 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????????❤️????????️.”
Highsmith is a senior personnel executive for the Patriots, having joined Eliot Wolf’s staff in July 2024.
The Patriots hired his son, A.J. Highsmith, as their director of pro 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 executive advisor to the general manager for the Seattle Seahawks from 2020-22 and vice president of personnel for the Cleveland Browns from 2018-19. He spent six seasons as a senior personnel executive with the Green Bay Packers from 2012-17.
Monica Taylor, the wife of Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, said Denise passed 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 photos of them together.