A 25-year-old former NFL player who played for a short time has passed away. Jessie Lemonier, an outside linebacker who played for the NFL, has passed away, according to NFL.com. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but his family acknowledged his passing. As a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, Lemonier entered the league as an undrafted player.
A statement about the defensive player was issued by his previous NFL team, the Detroit Lions.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier.
“Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
ESPN reported that in November Lemonier was drafted into the XFL (the football league founded by WWE’s Vince McMahon) by the Arlington Renegades. Instead of playing for the league, he chose to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers for the upcoming season, but then he was traded to the Birmingham Stallions.
He played seven games with the Lions during the 2021 season, where he recorded 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Last summer, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but the team released him during training camp.
Lemonier’s agent, Drew Smith of DEC Management, stated that Lemonier and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
The school that Jessie Lemonier played at for two seasons, Liberty University, also released a statement.
“The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier. Jessie was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room.”
