Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died Monday at the age of 25, following a car accident in Dallas. Gladney’s agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed the news to multiple news outlets; the news was also posted to the Cardinals official website. The NFL released a statement about Gladney’s passing, tweeting, “The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
According to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Gladney’s fatal accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the westbound services lanes of Woodall Rogers Freeway at Allen Street, and involved two vehicles. A preliminary investigation found that a white vehicle was speeding and clipped a second vehicle from behind. The white vehicle then lost control and hit a freeway pier beam, killing the man and woman inside, the release said. The second vehicle was also occupied by a man and woman, who were not injured.
Gladney was entering the third season of his NFL career after playing college football at Texas Christian University. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him as a first-round pick in 2020, but the team released him ahead of the 2021 season after he was indicted on charges of felony assault. Gladney was found not guilty in the incident, and the Cardinals signed him to a two-year contract in March 2022. The Cardinals tweeted Monday: “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.”
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who played alongside Gladney at TCU, 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.” Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt, also mourned the loss on social media, tweeting:“Horrifying news to hear this morning. Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff.”
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