Jessie Lemonier — a former outside linebacker for the Detroit Lions — has passed away, the team announced Thursday morning. He was only 25 years old.
Details surrounding Lemonier’s death are not yet known.
The Lions broke the sad news with a statement, saying they’re “shocked and saddened” by Lemonier’s death.
“Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon,” the team said on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Many paid their respects to the late Lions player in the comments … including Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson who shared the post with praying hand emojis.
Lemonier was an undrafted free agent out of Liberty University … where he became the third player in Flames history to record 10 or more sacks in a season.
The Los Angeles Chargers picked him up after the 2020 NFL Draft and Lemonier played in 6 games before he was waived in August 2021.
He then signed with the Lions’ practice squad a month later and was promoted to the active roster. He appeared in 7 games and had 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Lemonier also had a short stint with the Arizona Cardinals.
It seems like Lemonier was positioning for a career in the United States Football League as he recently signed with the Houston Gamblers in December 2022.
He was traded to the USFL’s defending champions Birmingham Stallions and their season was scheduled to start this April.
R.I.P.