Jordan Devey, who played for five NFL teams, including the 2014 Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots, died by suicide just days before his 15th wedding anniversary, his family said. He was 38.
Read more Why baseball pioneer Olivia Pichardo picked Cal — and softball — after graduating from Brown
“Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,” a GoFundMe page set up after his sudden death on Tuesday said. It also remembered him as a “devoted husband,” a “loving father” and “cherished member” of the football community.
RELATED: Tony Romo arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence
The ex-NFL player’s wife, Linsey Devey, also confirmed the tragic news with an Instagram post featuring a photo of her by her husband’s hospital bedside, as well as an image from their wedding day.
“Today would have been our 15th year anniversary. We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs,” she wrote.
“We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion,” she continued. “You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘We’ll talk soon.’”
Read more ‘I was a child’: How a bomb threat revealed alleged sex abuse scandal at East Bay juvenile hall
Speaking with Fox 13, Devey’s mother, Leslie, said the family believes he “possibly suffered from CTE,” though they will not be able to test for the neurodegenerative disease due to the nature of his death.
Devey kicked off his pro football career back in 2013, when he signed to play with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of University of Memphis, according to CBS Sports. Despite spending much of the off-season in Maryland, he continued on with the New England Patriots, joining their practice squad in September of the same year. In 2014, he went on to win Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots — though did not play in the championship game — before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in the summer of 2015. He next played for the Kansas City Chiefs followed by the Las Vegas Raiders before wrapping up his career with the Buffalo Bills.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
Read more Bay Area events calendar for July 31 through Aug. 6 weekly editions
About the Author
