Dennis Chong Highsmith Passes Away at 61
Dennis Chong Highsmith, the wife of former NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith, has died unexpectedly at 61, a memorial post on Instagram revealed on Tuesday.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
“We feel compelled to share the sudden passing of our cherished mother, wife, sister, and friend, Dennis Elizabeth Highsmith,” the post stated, which also included service details. “Dennis was genuinely kind—a joyful and nurturing spirit who embraced everyone. Her kindness, laughter, and service touched the lives around her, bringing her immense joy.”
“She will be remembered for the light she brought into the world, and her spirit will continue to live on in all of us.”
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Museum confirmed her death. The couple recently celebrated their 35th anniversary in June.
Alonzo Highsmith has not yet publicly commented on the loss.
Highsmith, who played for the Miami Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986, was drafted third overall by the Houston Oilers in 1987, marking the start of a five-year NFL career, which included time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Running back Aaron Jones expressed his sorrow on Instagram, calling Dennis “like a mother” to him. “She was a true angel on this planet… My heart goes out to my family. Thank you for always treating me like one of your own. This has truly devastated me,” he wrote.
Highsmith recently served as a senior representative for the Patriots after joining Eliot Wolf’s staff in July 2024. His son, AJ Highsmith, was hired as the director of professional scouting earlier this year.
Previously, he held various executive positions, including general manager of football operations at the University of Miami between 2022 and 2023, and senior executive advisor for the Seattle Seahawks from 2020 to 2022. He also served as vice president of the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and spent six seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2012 to 2017.
Monica Taylor, the wife of Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, shared her memories on social media, expressing gratitude for the moments they spent together. “Dennis was a beacon for everyone around her. We miss you!” she wrote.
