NFL insider provides first details on death of former TCU star Jeff Gladney

After it was reported on Monday that former TCU cornerback and Minnesota Vikings first round pick Jeff Gladney died, the first details of what happened have been released. Gladney was killed in a car accident Sunday evening in the Dallas area, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

He was just 25 years old.

Gladney played in 16 games with 15 starts in Minnesota in 2020, totaling 81 tackles with seven tackles for loss, three passes defended and one forced fumble. The Vikings released him in August of 2021 but he signed a new deal with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

The Cardinals released a statement following the tragic news Monday.

“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”

Several of Jeff Gladney’s former TCU teammates also took to social media to express their sorrow on his death. That included Kolby Listenbee, who was among the first to reveal the news.

“RIP to my former teammate Jeff Gladney,” Listenbee tweeted.

Former TCU wideout and current Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jalen Reagor also tweeted the same update.

“Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn,” Reagor said. “R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please.”

When he first arrived at TCU as a three-star recruit, Gladney had to work his way into a role with the Horned Frogs. He did just that, and after not playing as a true freshman in 2015, he played in ten games in 2016. That year, he had 46 tackles and six passes defended. He would build upon that success in 2017 by being named honorable mention All-Big 12.

The 2018 season was a breakout for Gladney, as he totaled 41 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and 12 passes defended. He then followed that up with another impressive campaign in 2019, totaling 31 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and 14 passes defended to earn first team all-conference honors.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.