Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, a former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick, died Monday at the age of 25.
Gladney’s agent Brian Overstreet confirms this Fort Worth Star-Telegram That NFL player died in a car accident early Monday.
“We are praying for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Overstreet said.
The details of the incident have not been revealed yet.
News of Gladney’s death was first made public by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Rigor, who played with Gladney at Texas Christian University.
“Lost my brother, my best friend, my right hand isn’t high enough for me man damn it,” Rigor wrote on Twitter. “RIP Jeff Gladney, brother please keep an eye on me.”
The Cardinals also issued a statement on Monday about Gladney’s death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. Our hearts are with his family, friends and all those grieving this tremendous loss.”
TCU’s athletic director Jeremiah Donati also sent a statement to the Star-Telegram saying the school’s football program was “deeply devastated” to learn of Gladney’s death.
“After earning the degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintains his close relationship with TCU,” the statement read. “He loved everything about his alma mater. He came to campus often and was at our spring practice and spring games this year, proudly joined by his younger son.”
Gladney appeared to be getting his NFL career back on track after sitting out the 2021 season. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of 2020 from TCU, which released him last August after being charged with assault involving an ex-girlfriend in April 2021. Gladney was found not guilty of the charge in March and signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
