The football community is mourning the loss of a beloved player.
Jessie Lemonier, a former outside linebacker for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, passed away at the age of 25, the team announced on Jan. 26. A cause of death has not yet been shared publicly.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions organization said in a statement posted to Twitter and Instagram. “Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Jessie, a native of Florida, played seven games for the Lions during the 2021 season. He started his career in college with Virginia’s Liberty Flames before being signed by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. According to NBC Sports, Jessie was recently drafted by minor league XFL but ultimately chose to sign with the USFL.
Jessie’s agent Drew Smith told ESPN that the athlete and his girlfriend are expecting a child together.
Source link The Detroit Lions and the NFL are mourning the death of former defensive end Jessie Lemonier, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 25.
Lemonier was signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was a standout defensive lineman at Auburn University, where he was a three-time All-SEC performer and a first-round draft prospect. Lemonier also played in the Senior Bowl and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The Lions released a statement saying they were “deeply saddened” by Lemonier’s passing. Head coach Dan Campbell vowed to “support [Lemonier’s] family however we can” and noted he remembered the player’s impressive work ethic during the team’s offseason program.
Other NFL colleagues, including Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers, offered their condolences and support to Lemonier’s family. Brockers said on Twitter that Lemonier had “a bright future” that was taken away too soon.
No cause of death has yet been announced. Out of respect for Lemonier’s family, the Lions have deferred further comment until a later time.
Lemonier’s death is a tragic loss, and his dedication to the game of football will be remembered by the entire NFL community. Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
