Jeff Gladney involved in fatal car crash
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident Monday morning, per his agent.
“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the Cardinals said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
Police were called to the scene of a crash that occurred around 2:28 a.m. local time, per the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. A white car was found wrong-side-up, and two people— a man and a woman— were found dead inside, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue.
An early investigation revealed that the white car was speeding when it nicked the car traveling in front of it, causing it to lose control and strike a beam on the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas.
The two people in the other car were not injured.
Authorities are waiting to officially release the identities of the victims until they have been positively identified by a medical examiner and the families have been notified.
“We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Brian Overstreet, Glandey’s agent, said in a statement to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The 25-year-old Gladney was a former first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 but was later released after he was indicted on an assault charge involving a past girlfriend in April 2021. He signed with the Cardinals on a two-year deal in March of this year after being found not guilty by a jury.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney,” the Vikings said in a statement. “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.”
The NFL also released a statement on Gladney’s tragic passing.
“The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Gladney, a product of Texas Christian University, finished college with 146 tackles, 37 pass deflections, and five interceptions in 50 games. He was named to the 2019 Big-12 First Team following his senior season, right before he was taken 31st overall in the draft. He had 63 tackles and one forced fumble in the professional ranks.
Jalen Reagor, Gladney’s teammate at TCU, mourned the passing of his former teammate on Twitter.
“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.”
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.
— Reag (@jalenreagor) May 30, 2022
TCU also addressed Gladney’s passing Monday.
“Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney,” Horned Frogs athletic director Jeremiah Donati said in a statement. “After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this year, proudly joined by his young son. He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Jeff’s family, friends and TCU teammates.”
