Former linebacker Jesse Lemonier, who most recently played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, has passed away at the age of 25.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing away of former Detroit Lion Jesse Lemonnier,” the team said in a statement Thursday. “Jesse was a model teammate and wonderful young man who was gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The cause of death has not been made public.
Mr. Lemonnier was an undrafted free agent coming out of Liberty University when he was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.
Joining the Detroit Lions the following year, he played in seven games including a sack of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last January.
His agent told ESPN that Mr Lemonnier and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
Hialeah, Florida, Mr. Lemonnier was the younger brother of Corey Lemonnier, who was selected in the third round of the 2013 draft and went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, the Lions and the Cleveland Browns.
Jesse Lemonnier was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in the XFL, but instead joined the Houston Gamblers in the United States Football League before being traded to the Birmingham Stallions.
Prior to joining the Liberty, he played at Ventura College with 20.5 sacks over the course of two seasons.
He signed with the Charge in 2020, playing in six games and recording two tackles.
Mr Lemonnier joined the Arizona Cardinals last March before being released at the end of the August training camp.
Jesse Lemonnier #90 of the Los Angeles Chargers during a 21-16 Carolina Panthers victory at SoFi Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California
(Getty Images)
“Devastating. What a joy to be around. Praying for his family during this difficult time,” CJ Holden Tweeted,
“This is just terrible news…Shocked and devastated that we lost a great man from this world. Please keep their loved ones in your prayers,” Trey Johnson couple,