Jeff Gladney Dead at 25: What Happened to Arizona Cardinals Player?

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, who famously became a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has died. He was 25.

Gladney's agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed the tragic event to Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He asked for everyone's prayers and privacy for the athlete's family amid the most difficult time.

He confirmed that the 25-year-old former TCU football standout was killed in a car accident early Monday morning.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office told WFAA that the horrifying crash happened around 3:20 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Woodall Rogers Freeway at Allen Street. They are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Meanwhile, a source confirmed that a female passenger also died in the accident.

People and organizations close to Gladney's hearts have offered heartfelt messages to the late football star.

"Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. 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," TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati said in a statement.

The real estate company, Exit Realty Unlimited, also shared a heartbreaking tribute on its Facebook page and uploaded a photo of Gladney after buying his home.

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— kris boyd™ (@kris23db) May 30, 2022

Jeff Gladney's Career

At the time of his death, Gladney had not played an official game with his Arizona Cardinals teammates yet.

According to ESPN, he was cut from the Minnesota Vikings last year following an assault charge. He was found not guilty by a Dallas jury in March, but he chose to sign with the Cardinals, instead.

Gladney began playing at New Boston High School as a three-star recruit. He then signed with Texas Christian University to play college football for the school's Horned Frogs.

He received offers from TCU and several others from Northern Illinois, Rice, Texas State, UTSA, and Tulsa.

Following his fruitful college career, he was drafted by Minnesota Vikings and immediately competed against Mike Hughes, Cameron Dantzlker, and Holton Hill.