Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died in a recent car accident at age 25.
According to ESPN, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department reported that Gladney was killed in a crash on May 30. Authorities said they rescued him and a female passenger–also dead–from an overturned Mercedes SUV when they arrived at the scene. They also said the vehicle was previously speeding and clipped a car in front of it, causing it to lose control before hitting a beam on Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas.
The two individuals in the second car weren’t injured.
“We are asking for prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Gladney’s agent, Brian Overstreet, said in a statement.
The Arizona Cardinals also took to Twitter to express their sorrow about the football player’s passing and give their deepest condolences to his family and friends.
“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,” the post said.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
Gladney signed a two-year contract with the Cardinals in March after a jury found him not guilty of a felony assault charge. He was arrested in April 2021 after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and was charged with domestic violence by impeding breathing. Authorities said the young man allegedly “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” applied pressure to the woman’s neck and throat and caused bodily injury. He then allegedly tried to bribe the woman into silence with a $1,000 necklace from Tiffany & Co. and a spa gift certificate.
He was initially the first-round draft pick from Texas Christian University by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. However, the team released him in August after he was indicted.
“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,” the Vikings said in a statement.
The NFL released a statement as well, sending condolences to Gladney’s family.
“The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the statement said.
The 25-year-old reportedly returned to Texas to help close a house for his mother.
“Every little boy dreams of making it big and buying his mom a big house… Congratulations Jeff Gladney, achievement unlocked!” Texarkana-based real estate company, Exit Realty Unlimited, shared via its Facebook page on May 27.
TCU’s Horned Frogs athletic director Jeremiah Donati shared Gladney’s accomplishments while playing for the university’s team and gave condolences to his loved ones.
“Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney,” Donati said in a statement. “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 go to Jeff’s family, friends, and TCU teammates.”
Gladney is survived by his one-year-old son, Kingston Gee Gladney.
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