Denise Chong Highsmith, the wife of longtime NFL executive and former star running back Alonzo Highsmith, has died unexpectedly at the age of 61.
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A memorial service flyer shared on her Instagram account Tuesday announced her passing but did not include a cause of death. The post described Denise as 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," the message read. "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 confirmed her passing on Facebook. The couple recently celebrated their 35th anniversary in June. Alonzo Highsmith, 60, has not made a public statement.
Highsmith was a standout running back at Miami from 1983 to 1986 before being selected third overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in the NFL, including time with the Dallas Cowboys, before moving into a front-office career.
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Vikings running back Aaron Jones shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling Denise "a living angel" and thanking her for treating him like family. "I know you're looking down protecting us from things we can't even see. I love you," Jones wrote.
Highsmith joined the Patriots front office in July 2024 as a senior personnel executive under Eliot Wolf. His son A.J. became the team's director of pro scouting two months earlier.
Monica Taylor, wife of Hurricanes assistant Jason Taylor, said Denise passed away last week and remembered her as a light to everyone around her.
