Former NFL offensive lineman Jordan Devey dies at 38, family cites suicide
Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion, has died at the age of 38. His family confirmed on Thursday that Devey died by suicide. Devey’s family shared the news through a GoFundMe campaign, describing his passing as an “incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.”
Devey’s parents, Leslie and Kerry Devey, spoke out about the importance of mental health conversations following their son’s death. They also raised concerns about the potential impact of CTE on players.
Devey’s Career and Personal Life
Devey, who played at Memphis, began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He later joined the New England Patriots in 2014, where he was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLIX. His career included stints with several other NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, and the Buffalo Bills.
After his professional football career, Devey settled in Idaho with his wife, Linsey, and their four children. He was actively involved in his community, volunteering as a coach for his children’s teams and at Eagle High School, where he was seen as a mentor and role model. His commitment extended to serving in his church, offering support and friendship.
Linsey Devey posted on Instagram earlier this week, on what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. She wrote, “We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘we’ll talk soon.'”
Family Speaks on Mental Health and CTE Concerns
Devey’s parents described him as a person with an outsized character, known for being energetic, athletic, kind, generous, and full of laughs. His mother, Leslie Devey, noted that he was 6’7″ tall. Despite attending high school in American Fork, Jordan Devey did not play football there; instead, he was a tuba player in the band. He also served a mission for the LDS Church in Costa Rica.
His parents believe that his ‘football body’ was both a blessing and a curse, and they suspect that CTE may have played a role in his death. Leslie Devey stated, “We believe that he possibly suffered from CTE.” Kerry Devey added, “What if we’d have done something differently? What if we could’ve seen these signs?” However, they will not be able to definitively test for CTE due to the circumstances of his death.
The family discovered that Jordan Devey was an organ donor when they were at the hospital in Boise. His parents expressed that this act turns a tragedy into something meaningful, allowing him to bless other people’s lives. They emphasized the importance of open conversations about mental health, urging people to reach out for help and understand they are not alone in their struggles.
Linsey Devey and their four children are now without their “ultimate family dad.”
Jordan Devey’s date of death is not known, but his parents stated he died on Tuesday.
Source: foxnews.com
