The NFL world is mourning the tragic death of Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jeff Gladney at 25.
Gladney died on Monday in a car crash in Dallas, with his death confirmed by the Cardinals and his agent.
“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss,” the team said in a statement.
The crash occurred on a service road on Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas, and another person was also killed in the accident.
Gladney played college football at Texas Christian University before he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
He played in 16 games that year but was released before the 2021 season, when he was charged with assaulting a woman.
Gladney was found not guilty in March and was subsequently signed by the Cardinals. He participated in team drills last week.
A local Cardinals reporter shot a video of Gladney learning the defense from his teammates.
On Facebook, Gladney recently posted that he’d bought his mother her dream house.
The realtor was Gladney’s cousin, and it was her very first sale.
“We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” agent Brian Overstreet said.
The NFL said Gladney’s death was a “tragic loss”, while the Vikings also released a statement.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney,” the team wrote.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organisation and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon.”