Former TCU star cornerback Jeff Gladney, a 2020 NFL Draft first-round pick who had recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, has died in a car crash at 25 years old, as confirmed by his agent, Brian Overstreet, to multiple outlets, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The crash occurred on the service road of Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas, KTVT-TV reported. Another person also died.
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The Dallas County sheriff’s department said no one was available on the Memorial Day holiday to talk about the crash.
Multiple NFL players, including Gladney’s former TCU teammates Jalen Reagor and L.J. Collier, had tweeted about Gladney’s death prior to the Star-Telegram’s report.
Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn!
— Reag (@jalenreagor) May 30, 2022
R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please.
Drafted with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Vikings and a starter in 15 games as a rookie, Gladney was cut by Minnesota in 2021 after being indicted on a charge of felony assault, a charge of which he was found not guilty in 2022. Soon after his acquittal, the cornerback signed with the Arizona Cardinals in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Overstreet said in the Star-Telegram article.
Jeremiah Donati, the Athletic Director at TCU, released the following statement on his social platforms: “Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this year, proudly joined by his young son. He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to go Jeff’s family, friends and TCU teammates.”
TCU Football retweeted Donati, and also added the following on Twitter: “Saddened by the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Arizona Cardinals released the following statement Monday on their social platforms: “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.”
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
The NFL released this statement regarding Gladney on their social platforms on Monday: “The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”