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Former NFL cornerback Jeff Gladney died Monday in an early morning car crash in Dallas, Texas. The football star was 25 years old.
Dallas County Sheriff’s Department put out a news release with details on the crash. Authorities have determined that two vehicles were involved in the accident at 2:30 am. A preliminary investigation into the incident found that a white vehicle hit the other from behind while speeding, according to a CNN news affiliate. The collision led the white vehicle to lose control and veer off, crashing into a pier beam and killing the man and woman inside. Gladney was driving with another victim whose identity has not been confirmed at the time of this writing. The second vehicle also had a man and a woman inside who were not injured.
A Promising NFL Future
Gladney was a former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings out of TCU in 2020. He was let go ahead of the 2021 season after being indicted on charges of felony assault. After being found not guilty of the incident, he continued his career with the Cardinals. The team signed him to a two-year contract in March of 2022. He was just beginning the third season of his career, participating in organized NFL team practices. Both teams tweeted statements sending out condolences to Gladney’s family and friends.
The Cardinals Tweeted:
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
The Vikings tweeted:
We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon. pic.twitter.com/5bdVCXT6Gv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 30, 2022
The NFL player’s alma mater, Texas Christian University (TCU), joined the two NFL teams in expressing their devastation and sadness over the news. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who also attended TCU, tweeted out his thoughts:
Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn!
R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please.
— Reag (@jalenreagor) May 30, 2022
Jeremiah Donati is the director of intercollegiate athletics at the college. He stated that even after Gladney left for his NFL career, he “maintained close ties to TCU.” The university tweeted out Donati’s response on the matter:
Saddened by the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FvilWRtNAu
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) May 30, 2022
On the Cardinals website, the football star is remembered for having an “upbeat personality.” The team was looking forward to seeing him play a significant role alongside fellow cornerbacks Marco Wilson and Byron Murphy on defense. Many of his teammates and players across the league took to Twitter to also send out condolences:
Horrifying news to hear this morning.
Just tragic.
Rest In Peace Jeff.
🙏🏼
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 30, 2022
fml.. Rest In Peace, Jeff Gladney
Praying for the entire family. Love you bro— Eno Benjamin (@EnoB) May 30, 2022
Rest in paradise brotha🙏🏾
— Isaiah Simmons (@isaiahsimmons25) May 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Jeff. Prayers to you and your family.
— Zach Allen (@TheZALLEN44) May 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Jeff! You were a great person and friend! 🖤🖤
— Zaven Collins (@ZavenCollins) May 30, 2022
Written by Chiagozie Onyewuchi
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The Hill: Arizona Cardinals player Jeff Gladney killed in car accident; by Brad Dress
Arizona Cardinals: Jeff Gladney Passes Away After Car Accident; by Darren Urban
CNN: Jeff Gladney, Arizona Cardinals cornerback, dies at 25; by Amir Vera and David Close
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Jonathan Moreau’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Todd Austin’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
