Cardinals CB Jeff Gladney dies in car accident
Prior to being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, Gladney was a standout at TCU. He participated in each game during his rookie season.
Jeff Gladney, a cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals, was killed in a traffic accident early on Monday, his agent Brian Overstreet confirmed
Monday afternoon, the Cardinals released a statement confirming Gladney’s passing. “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.”
Overstreet told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time.”
Moreover, the NFL also made a statement, “The NFL family mourns the untimely loss of Jeff Gladney, and we send our sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.”
The Vikings also joined in mourning
In March, Gladney, 25, joined the Cardinals after a jury acquitted him of a felony assault allegation.
The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round in 2020 out of TCU. But he was released in August 2021 after being arrested for assaulting a previous girlfriend in April 2021.
The Vikings released a statement expressing their sorrow over the passing of former player Jeff Gladney. “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.”
Missed by family and friends
Gladney’s former TCU teammate, wide receiver Jalen Reagor of the Philadelphia Eagles, tweeted: “Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain’t too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please.”
This is the second time this year that a football star is lost
Arizona negotiated a two-year contract with Gladney. This offseason, he was expected to compete for a starting position.
Gladney is the second promising NFL athlete to lose his life in a car accident so far this year. Dwayne Haskins, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was killed in April after his car ran out of gas and he abandoned the vehicle on a freeway. He was hit by a truck, and the collision resulted in his death.