Minnesota Viking’s first-round draft pick and former TCU star cornerback died suddenly on Monday at 25-years-old.
Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident Monday morning, according to his agent Brian Overstreet. The news of Gladney’s death first surfaced in a tweet from his former TCU teammate and current Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn!” Reagor tweeted. “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
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department said one other person was killed in the crash along with Gladney at 2:30 a.m. The cause of the crash is being investigated, USA Today reported.
Gladney started 42 games over five seasons for the Horned Frogs, where he received All-Big 12 honors his senior year. He was drafted 31st overall in the 2020 NFL draft by the Vikings and played in all 16 regular-season games in 2020, recording 75 total tackles.
Gladney sat out the 2021 season after being released from the Vikings as he faced charges of felony assault against a former girlfriend. He then signed on with the Arizona Cardinals in March of this year after a jury found him not guilty.
“We are devastated to learn [of] Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the Cardinals said in a statement as reported by the Star-Telegram. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
The Vikings also took to Twitter to share their condolences. “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.”