Monica Taylor, wife of Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, announced that Denise passed away last week.
“Thankful for all the wonderful memories we shared! Denise brought light to everyone around her. We’ll miss you dearly,” Monica wrote on her Instagram Story, sharing photos of them together.
“…Denise will always 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 and Museum, where Highsmith was inducted in 1997, confirmed her passing in a Facebook post.
The couple had celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in June.
Denise Chong Highsmith, wife of NFL executive and former fullback Alonzo Highsmith, passed away unexpectedly, according to a memorial service flyer shared on her Instagram on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Highsmith, 60, has not yet publicly addressed the news.
He was a dynamic running back for the Miami Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986 and was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft. Highsmith went on to play five seasons in the NFL, including a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones expressed his condolences, saying Denise was like a mother to him.
“Truly a living angel walking this planet… Praying for the family. Mama, I love you, and thank you for always checking on me and treating me like one of your kids (which I am). This one really hit me,” 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 wife, Denise Chong Highsmith, were pictured together with the Miami Hurricanes mascot in happier times.
Highsmith, 60, is currently a senior personnel executive for the New England Patriots, having joined Eliot Wolf’s staff in July 2024. The Patriots also hired his son, A.J. Highsmith, as director of pro scouting in May, according to The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price.
Before returning to the Patriots, Highsmith served as the General Manager of Football Operations for the University of Miami from 2022 to 2023. He previously held roles as senior executive advisor to the general manager for the Seattle Seahawks (2020–22), vice president of personnel for the Cleveland Browns (2018–19), and spent six seasons (2012–17) as a senior personnel executive with the Green Bay Packers.
Monica Taylor, wife of Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, shared that 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, posting photos of them together.
