Former TCU standout and NFL first-round pick Jeff Gladney has died.
Gladney, 25, was killed in a car crash overnight in Dallas, Texas, his agent confirmed to media outlets on Monday.
The Vikings selected the cornerback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he started 15 games as a rookie. The team released Gladney in August 2021 after he was indicted on a felony domestic violence charge stemming from an incident that April in Dallas.
He was found not guilty of the allegations in March 2022, and the Cardinals signed the cornerback to a deal a week later.
TCU paid tribute to Gladney in a statement by athletic director Jeremiah Donati, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
“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.
“He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Jeff’s family, friends and TCU teammates.”
Former teammates and those around the NFL world also mourned the sudden death of the former TCU standout:
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
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. pic.twitter.com/5bdVCXT6Gv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Jeff Gladney🙏🏾
— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) May 30, 2022
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Jeff Gladney. The 25 year old cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals has passed away. So much life ahead of him. Send a prayer up for him, his family and friends after this tragic loss.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 30, 2022
The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FgN5T62q3I
— NFL (@NFL) May 30, 2022
Prayers for @TCUFootball and the family of Jeff Gladney. Gone way too soon. 🙏
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) May 30, 2022
This Jeff Gladney news hitting me different. Had the privilege of playing with him during his rookie year in Minnesota. One of the most respectful and intentional rookies I’ve been around so far. Always had a smile and came to work. Sad sad. So young, so precious. RIP Young King
— George Iloka (@George_iloka) May 30, 2022