NFL defensive back, former TCU star Jeff Gladney reportedly passes away

Another tragedy has struck in the NFL world, as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jeff Gladney has reportedly passed away.

One of Gladney’s former TCU teammates, Kolby Listenbee, tweeted on Monday, revealing 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 on Monday.

“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.”

Gladney is a former first round pick, as he was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He 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. Gladney was waived by the Vikings in August of 2021, and he signed with the Cardinals in March of 2022. Gladney, who is just 25-years old, figured to play a role on the Cardinals defense this season.

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. In 2017, Gladney totaled 28 tackles with five passes defended and two touchdowns, including one for a touchdown.

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.

Details surrounding Gladney’s death are currently unavailable. Pro Football Focus’ Ari Meirov also tweeted about the tragedy later on Monday.