Former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey has died at the age of 38, with his family confirming that the former football star died by suicide.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the American football community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, fans, and members of the wider sporting fraternity.
Devey’s wife, Linsey Devey, announced his passing in an emotional social media post on Friday—a day that would have marked the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.
Alongside her heartfelt tribute, she shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign established to support the family. The fundraising page confirmed that Devey died by suicide.
Remembering her husband, Linsey reflected on the life they built together and the family they shared.
The couple had four children, whom she described as carrying many of their father’s qualities.
“They have your eyes, freckles, and compassion,” she wrote in an emotional message.
“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.'”
Her tribute has resonated with thousands of people online, with many offering condolences and messages of support to the grieving family.
Beyond his achievements on the football field, Jordan Devey was widely admired for his commitment to mentoring young athletes and giving back to his local community.
The GoFundMe page described him as a devoted father, caring husband, coach, mentor, and friend whose greatest passion extended beyond professional sports.
According to the fundraiser, Devey volunteered regularly with athletes at his local high school and coached several of his children’s sports teams.
Former players and parents described him as a positive influence who inspired young people through discipline, encouragement, and compassion.
The page noted that he was deeply loved by the players who saw him as a mentor, role model, and friend, highlighting his dedication to helping others both on and off the field.
Jordan Devey enjoyed a seven-season career in the National Football League after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
The offensive guard played 44 regular-season games during spells with several NFL franchises, including:
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Oakland Raiders
- Buffalo Bills
Although he did not feature in the championship game itself, Devey was a member of the New England Patriots squad that won Super Bowl XLIX during the 2014 NFL season, earning one of the sport’s highest honors.
He later continued his career with several other teams before retiring from professional football in 2021, following a final appearance for the Buffalo Bills.
Following his death, Devey’s parents called for greater awareness of mental health challenges affecting athletes.
Speaking after the tragedy, they said they believe their son may have been living with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head injuries sustained during contact sports.
CTE has become a major concern within American football in recent years, with researchers linking repeated blows to the head to long-term neurological problems, including depression, memory loss, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Although CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death through specialized brain examination, growing research has intensified discussions about player safety and long-term brain health in professional sports.
Jordan Devey’s death has renewed conversations about the importance of mental health support for current and former professional athletes.
Sports organizations, mental health advocates, and former players have increasingly called for stronger psychological support systems to help athletes cope with the pressures of professional competition and life after retirement.
As tributes continue to pour in, Jordan Devey is being remembered not only as a Super Bowl champion and respected NFL player but also as a devoted family man, mentor, and community leader whose impact extended far beyond the football field.
His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and ensuring that those struggling receive timely support and care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately by contacting a trusted family member, a qualified mental health professional, or your local emergency or crisis support services. Help is available, and reaching out can make a difference.
