famous football players who died

Though his career was cut short by injuries, he was regarded as one of the N.F.L.s greatest players. French soccer legend Just Fontaine, who still holds the record for most goals scored by a player at a single World Cup, has died aged 89, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. Many teams now practice in light color uniforms, and shade and water are always made readily available. Fred Lane became quite the story for the Carolina Panthers, coming in as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and quickly set a Panthers franchise rushing record for a game, with 147 yards in a game. Finally, he died in the clubs hotel after suffering a heart attack. For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews Subscribe on YouTube! [jwplayer EvMgtVgr-zhNYySv2] His death was later determined to be the result of a cardiac arrest, which was caused by an existing heart condition. On Saturday Michael tragically collapsed & lost his life playing the game he loved.On behalf of the wider football family our condolences go out to his family, friends and all at @CrowlandTown. Gladneys passing also shocked sports supporters when he died in a car crash at the age of 25. "Today he was pronounced brain dead. In addition to his stepson Guy, he is also survived by a daughter, Gale Lynne, and two sons, Timothy and Scott, from his first marriage; two other stepsons, Gaylon and Gary; two brothers, Roger, a former track and field star, and Ron, who played eight games as a running back for the San Diego Chargers in the N.F.L. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. The tragedy put an end to a promising young careerWilliams registered six interceptions in his first two seasons, and garnered First-Team All-Rookie praise following his emergence as the starter opposite Champ Bailey. He was released by the Chargers in 2007 but picked up by the New York Giants the following year. As a result, he was shipped to the Bears for a second-round draft pick after his sophomore season. He remains a Dallas Cowboy. Jones was only 18 years old when he died. Sayers was a pallbearer at his funeral. How am I going to tell my babies, Smith tweeted in response to the news. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He was selected as Zimbabwes 2004 Soccer Star of the Year. WebMarcio Dos Santos He died on the 28th of October 2002, not long after playing a game between Deportivo Wanka and Alianza Lima. The warrant said LeCroys blood-alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladneys passing. Whether you want to learn the history of a city, or you simply need a recommendation for your next meal, Discover Walks Team offers an ever-growing travel encyclopaedia. Two additional members of the Georgia football program -- a player and recruiting staffer -- were injured in the accident. appreciated. According to the arrest warrant, the investigation by Athens police found that LeCroy and Carter were operating their vehicles "in a manner consistent with racing" after leaving downtown Athens around 2:30 a.m. The touchdowns came on an 80-yard screen-pass play, runs of 21 and 7 yards, a 50-yard romp in the third quarter, a 1-yard spurt early in the fourth quarter and an 85-yard punt return as the Bears rolled to a 61-20 victory. Dani Jarque, a Spanish footballer who played as a center-back for Espanyol, died of a heart attack while on pre-season training with his team in Italy on August 8, 2009. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. The media spotlight on the deaths of NFL players is magnified in North America, with the NFL being the most popular sports league this side of the Atlantic. After claiming to have taken up to 125 Vicodin pills a day, Olivea enjoyed a miraculous return to sobriety. Puertas death shocked the football world, and he was mourned by many. Georgia football staffer Victoria Bowles was hospitalized with more serious injuries. He was regarded as one of the best strikers in the game. "With fervour and commitment, but with humility and confidence in equal measure, he inspired those around him to work harder, try harder, give a little more, walking alongside them and taking them with him on the journey," a statement said. I read in the paper that Derrick Thomas was in a sack slump.. Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter speaks during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game on Jan. 7 in Los Angeles. Bironas was reportedly chasing another vehicle, and driving recklessly. The football-mad player and coach was a "fantastic" Three months later, E! We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylons family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon., The outside linebackers agent also reflected on her clients sudden passing, telling NBC News, He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. A search lasted a couple of days before ending, with Cooper and Smith presumed dead. Astori was in Udine with his team, preparing for a Serie A match against Udinese, when a teammate discovered him dead in his hotel room. Dwayne Haskins was projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the 2019 draft. According to ESPN, Ferguson was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at his home. He "never regained consciousness", Crowland Town FC said. After leaving the party, the group's limo was followed where several of them were shot and Williams sustaining a fatal bullet wound in his neck. He finished his international career with 30 goals in just 21 games and in 2004, Pele named Fontaine on his list of the 125 greatest living footballers. Life started to spiral out of control after his retirement, as he found himself involved in drug trafficking and firearm crimes. The football world lost a very young promising talent in a sudden way. 2023 BBC. "Paul went into cardiac arrest while on a run in our neighborhood," she wrote via Instagram on July 16. Gale Eugene Sayers was born on May 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kan., the middle of three sons of Roger Sayers, a car mechanic, and Bernice Ross Sayers. Who Was Cephas Chimedza Wife Sharon? The Arizona Cardinals player was one of two victims of the accident, which occurred in May 2022. ; and seven grandchildren. Gladney died in a car crash at the age of 25. For local insights and insiders travel tips that you wont find anywhere else, search any keywords in the top right-hand toolbar on this page. The ferocious sack-specialist and holder of the NFLs single game sack record with seven, passed away five weeks after his 33rd birthday of a blot clot due to injuries he sustained in a car accident. Stringer's death led to changes in the NFL in terms of preventing heat strokes. Mr Palmer was part of the reserve side playing against Leverington in the Peterborough & District Football League when he collapsed. "We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jayson Ferguson," a statement from the team read. 10:33 am ET, Charges dropped against Georgia WR Rara Thomas, UCLA, Kelly agree to extension through 2027, Four Pac-12 programs renew contact with Big 12, NCAA committee approves new college football rules, Saban sounds off on proposed permanent opponents. Sayers was already a legend in 1967 after two pro seasons, when Rick Volk, a safety from the University of Michigan, tried to defend against him while a college all-star team was training at the Bears camp. Discover Walks contributors speak from all corners of the world - from Prague to Bangkok, Barcelona to Nairobi. Fos death shocked the football world once more, and he was mourned. Just Fontaine is fourth on the all-time World Cup top scorers list, despite playing in just once edition. In interviews reviewed by theAtlanta Journal-Constitution, Carter misled prosecutors, first claiming he was a mile away from the accident before later acknowledging he was alongside the car that crashed, ultimately killing teammate Devin Willock, 20, and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, 24. Football fans have had to mourn many surprising deaths in 2022 including NFL athletes such as Jaylon Ferguson and Jeff Gladney. By Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Reserved. People see him, and people began to wonder what was wrong with him, Ms. Sayers told The Chicago Sun-Times. Its gone, Sayers told Alexander, who stayed to comfort him. God, you never want to hurt a player, never. In June 2022, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed that Ferguson passed away at the age of 26. That December he married Ardythe Elaine Bullard. He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. WebTwo Vietnam Veterans Remembered. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.". According to ESPN, authorities responded to a call in northern Baltimore and no official cause of death has been announced yet. The football-mad player and coach was a "fantastic" volunteer, non-league club Lincoln United wrote on Twitter. The athlete was struck by a vehicle after crossing an intersection in South Florida. On May 6, 2016, the Cameroonian midfielder died during a football match between his club Dinamo Bucharest and Viitorul Constanta in Romania. The former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle died in June 2022 at age 55. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Injuries ended his promising NFL career a year later. Johnny Majors was 85. In May 2022, Gladney was involved in a high-speed crash that killed the player and his girlfriend, Mercedes Palacios. Sayers is the greatest halfback I ever saw, an N.F.L. In January, he was found dead in his cell while awaiting trial. Police have not released surveillance video citing the footage as evidence in an ongoing investigation. Ferguson was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Ravens and was a valuable member of the team. But he reversed again, and I had an angle on him, but I couldnt catch him., Sayers later likened his 59-yard touchdown run to a slapstick movie chase and claimed he had run past Bubba Smith, the huge Baltimore defender, three separate times. section: | slug: georgia-star-jalen-carter-booked-released-top-nfl-draft-prospect-left-scene-of-fatal-car-crash | sport: collegefootball | route: article_single.us | Its not clear if or how the matter was resolved. His family said the young man, who was from Holbeach, "loved his friends, his family, and his colleagues", with there being an outpouring of love since his death. He developed an addiction to pain medication, including painkillers. When leaving a New Year's Eve party at the nightclub Safari, an altercation occurred between some Crips gang members and several Broncos, including Brandon Marshall. In April 2022, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died at 24. In his acceptance speech, he said: I love Brian Piccolo. It became the basis of the hugely successful Brians Song, with Billy Dee Williams playing Sayers and James Caan as Piccolo. As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, the family said in a statement. At the time, it was reported that there was no trauma or foul play and an official cause of death is still to be determined. Until eternity. Dingle's loved ones did not publicly share a cause of death at the time. Police initially believed the crash was a single-car accident caused by speeding; however, statements and evidence have since revealed at least two other cars were at the scene -- both driven by Georgia football players. Mar 1, 2023 9:41 AM EST. He was just 26. His thunderous hit on punter Brian Moorman in the 2006 Pro Bowl highlighted the toughness he demonstrated on the gridiron. His passing will leave a void that can "never be filled". His cousin Sharonda Francois reflected on his passing, telling WFAA, "He was very loved by us all. Charlton moved into management after his playing career, taking charge of clubs including Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and the Republic of Irelands national team. He hosted football camps, he took care of our kids at family gatherings. He registered 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks over the course of his career. One year later, Charlton was named as the Footballer of the Year at the Football Writers Association. Sean Taylor was tenacious, and played with a high-flying reckless abandon that revolutionized the safety position. U. of Georgia football player and staffer die in car crash hours after victory parade, their second straight national championship, Georgia Bulldogs repeat as college football's national champion, thrashing TCU. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. 12:45 PM EST, Wed March 1, 2023. Korey Stringer was selected 24th overall by the Minnesota Vikings and played in the purple and gold for five years, including the Vikes' 15-1 season in 1998 where they reached the NFC Championship. Death is something no one wants to endure. Bironas is ranked 52nd on the all-time scoring list, and earned All-Pro honors in 2007. "We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Gladney's passing also shocked sports supporters when he died in a car crash at the age of 25. He made a couple of moves whoo-hoo! Top 10 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things to Do in Paris on Christmas Day (2022), 10 Things to Do in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. I was right there. Gone Too Soon: 20 Soccer Players Who Died During Their Career By Lou Flavius Published Nov 5, 2016 Comments Link copied to clipboard Related Topics About He was eventually forced to retire early at the age of just 28 due to injury and went on to coach the French and Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain, earning promotion to the French first division in 1974. While playing in the NFL, Olivea developed an addiction to painkillers, checking in to rehab in 2008. I hear people talk about dead leg, shake, change of pace, but I do things without thinking about them.. Happy birthday Jyce ONeal Ferguson Mama and daddy love you so much and we are greatful for u.. Prosecutors at her sentencing described Diedra Lane as an abusive woman seeking insurance money from Lane's death. I was playing right safety, and he was running a sweep to his right my left, Volk recalled. News reported that the New York native died from "hypertensive heart disease," with the contributory cause of death attributed to "obesity." Ferguson previously gushed about getting to expand his family. In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies, Ahead of his shocking death, Ferguson celebrated Fathers Day with his son and two daughters. "It is my understanding that Mr. Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in," Barnett said in an e-mail to the AP. Updated Georgia football star Jalen Carter is charged in a crash that killed two people Carter, projected as one of the top players in next month's NFL draft, was charged with He was named to the 2007 All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams posthumously. The crash occurred just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony, killing LeCroy and Willock. Ahead of his death, the Minnesota native played for his home state's Golden Gophers and the Dallas Cowboys. Sayerss fame reached beyond the football field in 1971 with the broadcast of the Emmy Award-winning television movie Brians Song, based on his friendship with his teammate Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer at 26. Sayers was married to Linda McNeil in 1962, during his freshman year in college; they were divorced in June 1973. I never saw anyone who could be at full speed, stop on a dime and, in one step acceleration, be at top speed again, Accorsi said. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: collegefootball | pageType: stories | All Rights Reserved. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss," the Arizona Cardinals tweeted in May 2022. Adams suited up just 10times for Chicago, and did not register a sack. 8. Additionally, toxicology reports revealed that LeCroy was driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .197, more than double the legal limit. Tiot allegedly collapsed during training and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Jim Brown was the greatest running back of all time, he said, and some great fullbacks may have had more heft and power than Sayers who was six feet tall and weighed 198 pounds but nobody could cut corners like Sayers. He hosted football camps, he took care of our kids at family gatherings. Read about famous people who died in car accidents. Fernando Ricksen with his wife. He led the league in all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving and runbacks) with 2,272 yards; scored 22 touchdowns, six of them in one game; and was named to the all-league team for the first of five consecutive years. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson was pronounced dead on June 22. 15 NFL Players Who Died During Their Careers - TheSportster My best friend my boy my first born my only son the one who will be the future sack daddy turned 3 years old on this date and we gone party!!!! Gary Lineker, who led Englands attack two decades later, led tributes to Charltons career on Saturday. Sayers sued the N.F.L. "With a strong sense of duty, Michael wanted the best for those around him, and nothing was too much to ask. He was an emblematic figure, with an incredible record of 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup. Junior Siavii was drafted in the second round of the 2004 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, and he went on to spend six years in the league. Willock, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene I mean, money did not change him, he was still the same down to Earth cousin. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame the same year. One of the leagues most consistent kickers, and the right boot that broke the NFL record with eight field goals one 2007 afternoon in Houston, was killed in a car accident in 2014. he wrote via Instagram honor of his son's special day in November 2020. Drafted in the fourth round by the Colts in 1991, Culver was initially used as a short-yardage back, and was highly effective, scoring seven rushing touchdowns in his first season, as well as two receiving touchdowns. Willock, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. "The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a Wednesday statement. "I'm a very blessed person to be able to be in this position I am now," said the defensive lineman via ESPN. team for a front-office job but never received an interview a source of sadness for him, according to friends. We as the family, appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed. Cooper and Smith had separated from the group early in the morning of March 2nd. The former NFL player was treated by a medical crew at his home but was unresponsive and died at the scene. On May 6, 2016, the Cameroonian midfielder died during a football match between his club New information around the sudden death of college football player Ryan Keeler has emerged after the UNLV defensive lineman was found dead at the age of 20.