The tragic news that Jeff Gladney, a cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals, passed away in a car accident on Monday has been confirmed by his agent. Even Jeff’s team issued a message on Twitter confirming the information, which can be found here. He was only 25 years old at the time. Continue reading to find out more.
A Terrible Shock to Everyone, as Jeff Left Us Too Soon
Jeff Gladney, a cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals, was killed in a car accident early on Monday morning in Dallas. He was 25. The shocking information was confirmed by Jeff’s agent, Brian Overstreet, who stated, “We are asking for prayers for the family and privacy at this very difficult time.”
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
The Cardinals organization has also issued a statement that confirms this news. They posted a message on Twitter that read, “We are devastated to learn about Jeff Gladney’s demise. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone else who is suffering as a result of this unimaginable tragedy.
According to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the deadly accident occurred at approximately 2:30 in the morning in the westbound services lanes of the Woodall Rogers Freeway near Allen Street. It has come to light that there was also a female passenger who perished in the collision. The investigators are still trying to determine what caused the crash.
The condolences of friends and teammates.
My last words with you bro pic.twitter.com/PGn3gyauCg
— Reag (@jalenreagor) May 30, 2022
Gladney gained national attention as a standout defensive player for Texas Christian University and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the draught in the year 2020. On various social media platforms, a number of Gladney’s old collegiate teammates have expressed their condolences.
Just 25. He had just bought his mom a home. RIP. https://t.co/NNPDkUpNPq
— Newy Scruggs (@newyscruggs) May 30, 2022
Jalen Reagor expressed his sorrow over the passing of his brother, his best friend, and his right-hand man in a tweet. I don’t think I can take much more than this. R.I.P Jeff Gladney, please be my brother and keep watch over me. Jeremiah Donati, the athletic director at TCU, also issued a statement, which read as follows:
The news of Jeff Gladney’s passing was a great shock to everyone in the TCU Athletics family, but especially the players and coaches on our football team. Jeff has remained committed to TCU even after receiving his degree and continuing his playing career in the National Football League (NFL). Everything about his alma mater was perfect in his eyes.
Jeff Gladney was 25. Such a young man with such a bright future. Please everyone be mindful and respectful of Jeff, his family and his loved ones. Tremendous loss. Rest in Paradise Jeff.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 30, 2022
He continued by saying, “Jeff was a regular visitor to campus and proudly attended our spring practises as well as our spring game this year, bringing along his young son.” Everyone in our community will miss having him around. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with Jeff’s family, friends, and teammates at TCU during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace Jeff. Prayers to you and your family.
— Zach Allen (@TheZALLEN44) May 30, 2022
JJ Watt, a defensive end for the Cardinals, called the news “horrifying” and shared his reaction on Twitter. “Just awful,” JJ wrote in a tweet. Sharonda Francois, Gladney’s cousin, commented on her uncle in an interview by saying, “He was extremely liked by us all.” He was a kind and respectful young man, but everyone remembers him for the infectious grin he always wore.
In March, Gladney had just accepted a contract to play with the Arizona NFL franchise. After being charged with assault the previous season, he was released from the Minnesota Vikings roster and never played for the team again. According to ESPN, in March of this year, a jury in Dallas came to the conclusion that he was not guilty of the charges against him. Shortly after this, he signed with the Cardinals. Gladney abandoned his family and a son he had from a prior relationship who was just one year old.