Former TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney died in a car accident early Monday morning.
AP Photo
A former TCU football player who became an NFL first-round pick has died.
Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident early Monday morning, his agent Brian Overstreet confirmed. Gladney was 25 years old.
“We ask for prayers for family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Overstreet said.
Several of Gladney’s former college teammates offered their condolences on social media on Monday.
“I lost my brother, my best friend, my right arm…can’t take much more,” Jalen Reagor wrote on Twitter. “RIP Jeff Gladney my brother please watch over me.”
TCU Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati released a statement in which he said, “Our TCU Athletics family, and in particular our football program, have been very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. After graduating and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties with TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and games this year, proudly joined by his young son.
“He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to Jeff’s family, friends and teammates.
Gladney appeared to be getting his NFL career back on track after missing the 2021 season. The Minnesota Vikings cut him after he was charged with felony assault.
Gladney was found not guilty of the charge in March and signed with the Arizona Cardinals shortly thereafter.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who mourns this tremendous loss.”
Gladney joined TCU as a three-star prospect from New Boston in 2015. He became a closed cornerback for the Frogs. He finished his college career with 43 passes defended, five interceptions, and six tackles for loss.
The Vikings selected Gladney in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games for the Vikings in 2020, including 15 starts. He had 81 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, with three passes defended and one forced fumble.
This story was originally published May 30, 2022 1:09 p.m.
