Former Detroit Lions linebacker Jessie Lemonier died Thursday, the team announced. He was 25.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Lemonier, who was drafted in November by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades, recently signed with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers for the upcoming season before being traded to the Birmingham Stallions.
During the 2021 season, he appeared in seven games for the Lions, recording 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Last summer, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals and recorded a sack in a preseason game before being released during training camp.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions said in a statement. “Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Drew Smith of DEC Management, Lemonier’s agent, confirmed to ESPN that he and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
Lemonier, a native of Hialeah, Florida, originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers out of Liberty in 2020. He appeared in six games and made two tackles.
source:nsemwokrom.com