Print
Close
Cardinals' Jeff Gladney, former first-round NFL draft pick, dies in car accident at 25
By Paulina Dedaj
Published May 30, 2022
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, died in a car accident early Monday morning, according to multiple reports. He was just 25.
Gladney’s agent, Brian Overstreet, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Monday that the former TCU standout died in a car accident. The details surrounding his death were not immediately known.
Kerryon Johnson of the Lions attempts to make a catch in front of Jeff Gladney of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
"We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time," he told the outlet.
The Cardinals released a statement shortly after confirming the news of Gladney’s death.
"We are devasted to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss."
Gladney was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 31 overall pick in 2020. In 15 starts as a rookie, he registered 81 tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble but was later released after being indicted on a felony assault charge.
CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys pulls in a touchdown pass against the Vikings' Jeff Gladney at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 22, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney," Gladney’s former team said in a statement. "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."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
TCU and the NFL also released statements mourning the loss of Gladney, as well as former teammates and competitors.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney watches the action against the Bears on Nov. 16, 2020, at Soldier Field, in Chicago. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gladney had a promising future with the Cardinals, who signed him to a two-year contract in March after he was found not guilty.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/cardinals-jeff-gladney-nfl-draft-dies-car-accident