Former NFL offensive lineman Jordan Devey, a Super Bowl champion with the 2014 New England Patriots, passed away at age 38, his family announced Thursday, revealing he died by suicide. This news hits hard for anyone who follows the game, a stark reminder of the battles some players face long after their cleats are off the field. ESPN confirmed Devey died on Tuesday, July 21.
A Family’s Unspeakable Loss
It’s just heartbreaking. A GoFundMe page set up for Devey’s family confirmed the tragic nature of his passing, stating, “Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.” His wife, Linsey Devey, shared a gut-wrenching post on social media Thursday, noting his death came just days before what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. Can you even imagine? She wrote, “Today would have been our 15th year anniversary. We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion.” Linsey added, “You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘We’ll talk soon.’” Just devastating.
CTE Suspicions and a Career Remembered
The pain runs even deeper with what his mother, Leslie, told Fox 13. She revealed the family “believed that he suffered from CTE,” but because of the nature of his death, testing for the neurodegenerative disease won’t be possible. She said he was “fighting a battle none of his loved ones ever saw.” This isn’t the first time we’ve heard these concerns about former players, and it just crushes you to think about. Devey had a solid NFL run from 2013-20, playing for five teams over seven seasons and appearing in 44 games. He was part of that Super Bowl-winning Patriots squad in 2014, playing in seven games that year. He also had a notable 15 games with the 49ers in 2015 before retiring in 2021 after a stint with the Bills. The Las Vegas Raiders, where Devey played in 2019, released a statement Friday on his passing, showing the impact he had across the league.
This is more than just a headline; it’s a profound loss that echoes throughout the football world and beyond, leaving us to grapple with the unseen struggles many brave individuals face.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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