Former Detroit Lions linebacker Jessie Lemonier died Thursday at the age of 25.
The team confirmed his unexpected death in a Twitter post following his death.
Former NFL Player Dies Suddenly At Age 25 https://t.co/tYX1SZabFi
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 26, 2023
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” they wrote. “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,” the team added.
No cause of death was noted in the announcement concerning Lemonier.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 26, 2023
"The former NFL star was drafted by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades in November but chose to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers. He was then traded to the Birmingham Stallions," the Daily Caller reported.
"He was a promising young star that finished with 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks after seven games with the Lions in the 2021 season," it added.
CNN added that "Last summer, he had been on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, recording a sack in a preseason game, before being released." The report noted that Lemonier was expecting a child with his girlfriend at the time of his passing.
Former Detroit Lions player Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/lpqlsCpKfU
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 27, 2023
"Lemonier played at Liberty before taking his shot at the NFL. He went undrafted in 2020 before landing with the Chargers and then the Lions. He played a total of 161 snaps for Detroit," according to Outkick.
The linebacker was also the 2017 SCFA Northern Conference Defensive player of the year at Ventura College before he transferred to Liberty University.
The former NFL player's sudden death is one among many deaths among young athletes in the past year in a concerning trend in the sporting world.
Some speculation has arisen in connection with the COVID-19 vaccines, though no information has been revealed regarding Lemonier's cause of death at this time. More information is hoped to be revealed in the near future.
His passing marks a tragic loss just ahead of his plans to play in the USFL in Houston in what was expected as a strong year for the young star. His friends, family, and teammates mourn as they face life without Lemonier.
