NFL Star Dies Amid Partner’s Pregnancy

Jessie Lemonier, a former NFL linebacker, has died. He was 25.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Detroit Lions wrote in a Thursday, January 26, in a press release shared by way of Twitter. “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.”

No additional particulars about Lemonier’s loss of life have been revealed.

The late skilled athlete was first drafted into the NFL in 2020, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. After taking part in in six video games with the Chargers, the Florida native signed with the Lions forward of the 2021 season.

“Gone too soon. Our hearts are with Jessie’s family, friends and loved ones,” a press release by way of the Chargers’ Twitter web page learn on Thursday, mourning Lemonier.

The Liberty University alum appeared in seven of the Lions’ video games, ending with 15 complete tackles and 1.5 sacks. He went on to signal a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in early 2022 earlier than being launched throughout coaching camp. Ahead of his loss of life, Lemonier was drafted by the Arlington Renegades within the November 2022 XFL draft earlier than opting to signal with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers as an alternative. The Gamblers ultimately traded him to the Birmingham Stallions.

“Eyes stay on the road. Next chapter coming soon,” Lemonier tweeted in April 2020 amid his preliminary NFL draft. “#Road2theleague.”

Amid information of his loss of life, the soccer neighborhood supplied their condolences to the athlete’s household.

“The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier,” his Lynchburg, Virginia, alma mater wrote in a Thursday Instagram assertion. “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. Liberty Athletics will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers that God may bring peace and comfort to them during the difficult days ahead.”

During Lemonier’s ultimate seasons with Liberty, he earned MVP honors within the 2019 Cure Bowl when the college gained its first bowl recreation.

“He was my favorite player when he played at Liberty! He was always smiling and joking — he loved the game, his teammates, and putting on a show for the fans,” a social media person tweeted on the time. “I loved watching him on the sidelines after he made a huge play and he did that a lot!”

Prior to his passing, Lemonier and his girlfriend — whose id has not been publicly revealed — had been anticipating their first little one collectively. His agent, Drew Smith, confirmed the being pregnant information to ESPN on Thursday.