NFL Tragedies of 2022: The Saddest and Most Shocking Deaths

Gone too soon. Football fans have had to mourn many surprising deaths in 2022 including NFL athletes such as Jaylon Ferguson and Jeff Gladney.

In June 2022, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed that Ferguson passed away at the age of 26. “We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jayson Ferguson,” a statement from the team read. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon.”

The outside linebacker’s agent also reflected on her client’s sudden passing, telling NBC News, “He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family asks for your continued prayers.”

The Louisiana native, who was drafted in 2019, was reportedly found unresponsive and pronounced dead with no signs of trauma or foul play. According to ESPN, authorities responded to a call in northern Baltimore and no official cause of death has been announced yet.

Ferguson spent Father’s Day with his son and two children before his unexpected demise. He shares his children with Doni Smith. “How am I going to tell my babies,” Smith tweeted in response to the news. “Till eternity. Get some rest, my darling!!!”

Ferguson had expressed excitement at the opportunity to extend his family. “My best friend, my boy, my firstborn, my only son, the one who will be the future sack daddy, turned three years old on this date, and we went partying!” he posted on Instagram in November 2020 to commemorate his son’s special day. “Happy birthday, Jyce O’Neal Ferguson. Mama and papa love you so dearly, and we are grateful for you.”

Gladney died in an automobile accident at the age of 25, which devastated sports fans. “We were devastated to learn about Jeff Gladney’s death. In May 2022, the Arizona Cardinals tweeted: “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who is mourning this tremendous loss.”