Who was Jeff Gladney and how did he die?
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a two car accident on Monday morning just months after signing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney tragically passed away early Monday morning in Dallas, Texas. The 25 year old was one of two people killed in the two-car accident.
Gladney was a college standout at TCU
The New Boston, Texas native was drafted in the penultimate pick of the first round of the 2020 Draft, but played just one year in the NFL.
He was a three star recruit out of high school and choose to play with Texas Christian University over Northern Illinois and a handful of other universities in Texas.
He hit the ground running after redshirting his first year at TCU because of a torn ACL. Gladney was a four year starter for the Horned Frogs and shined in his final year. He was named to the Senior Bowl in 2020 after earning first team All-Big 12 honors in his senior year in college.
Arizona signed Gladney after he was found not guilty of abuse
Gladney had a fantastic rookie season for the Minnesota Vikings, registering 81 tackles and a forced fumble but off the field issues forced the Vikings to release his after his rookie season.
The release was a result of a domestic abuse case between the then Vikings cornerback and his girlfriend. He was not picked up for the 2021 season as the legal issues remained unresolved. He was found not guilty of assault in March of this year and the Arizona Cardinals signed the former TCU defensive back shortly after.
The Cardinals signed the cornerback to a two year deal on March 16 and he was expected to compete for a starting job with Arizona this offseason.
Reactions around the NFL
The NFL world has taken to social media to share their condolences and prayers after the news of Gladney’s passing.
Eagles receiver and Gladney’s former teammate at TCU Jalen Reagor 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.”
Gladney’s former Minnesota Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson tweeted “Rest In Peace Jeff Gladney🙏🏾”
JJ Watt, anchor of the team Gladney was just signed to posted on Twitter today saying “Horrifying news to hear this morning. Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff. 🙏🏼”