Prior to his sudden passing, the former Detroit Lions linebacker and his girlfriend, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, unveiled that they're expecting their first child together.
- Jan 27, 2023
AceShowbiz - Jessie Lemonier has joined a list of NFL stars who tragically passed away. The former Detroit Lions linebacker died at the age of 25 amid his girlfriend's pregnancy with their first child.
On Thursday, January 26, Detroit Lions confirmed their former player's death, writing on Twitter, "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier." They added, "Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
"Gone too soon. Our hearts are with Jessie's family, friends and loved ones," a statement via Los Angeles Chargers' Twitter page read on Thursday, mourning Jessie's untimely passing. No further details about the former NFL player's death have been revealed.
Prior to his passing, Jessie and his girlfriend, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, were expecting their first child together. His agent, Drew Smith, confirmed the pregnancy news to ESPN on Thursday.
Amid news of his death, the football community offered their condolences to the athlete's family. "The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier," his Lynchburg, Virginia alma mater wrote in an Instagram statement. "Jessie was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room. Liberty Athletics will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers that God may bring peace and comfort to them during the difficult days ahead."
The late professional athlete was first drafted into the NFL in 2020, signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent. After playing in six games with the Chargers, the Florida native signed with the Lions ahead of the 2021 season.
Jessie appeared in seven of the Lions' games, finishing with 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Liberty University alum went on to sign a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in early 2022 before being released during training camp.
Ahead of his death, Jessie was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in the November 2022 XFL draft before opting to sign with the USFL's Houston Gamblers instead. The Gamblers eventually traded him to the Birmingham Stallions.
Prior to Jessie's shocking death, there were some NFL stars who tragically passed away. Gavin Escobar, the former tight end of the Dallas Cowboys, passed away from a rock climbing incident at just 31. Jaylon Ferguson died in June last year after being found unresponsive in his home.
