Jeff Gladney, a cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals, died in an automobile accident at the age of 25.
According to sources, the accident happened in the early hours of Monday morning in Dallas.
The event also claimed the life of a female passenger.
Gladney, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, inked a two-year deal with Arizona in the offseason.
The Cardinals released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to learn about Jeff Gladney’s loss.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and those who are grieving this tragic loss.”
Gladney was taken by the Vikings as the 31st choice in the 2020 NFL Draft after playing collegiate football at TCU.
After a felony assault charge in a domestic violence case, he was released in August 2021 after appearing in 16 games and starting 15 of them.
Gladney was declared not guilty in March 2022, after sitting out the 2021 season, and signed with the Cardinals shortly after.
According to a statement from the Vikings, “We are heartbroken by the news of former Viking Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches, who are mourning the loss of a life that was cut short much too soon.”
Jalen Reagor, a wide receiver with the Philadelphia Eagles and a former TCU teammate, also paid homage to Gladney on Twitter, writing: “Lost my Brother, my Best Friend, My Right Hand Man.”
End for the Cardinals JJ Watt stated, ” “This morning’s news was terrifying. It’s all very terrible. Jeff, may you rest in peace.”