A rising NFL star tragically lost his life in a car accident early Saturday morning, just hours after posting a heartfelt message on social media.
According to police, the 24-year-old football player was in a car with two of his friends when a speeding vehicle crashed into them. The player, who had recently been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, was pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver, a high school friend. Another passenger, also a teammate, was rushed to the hospital but sadly did not survive.
The day before the accident, the player shared ten photos on Instagram, capturing some of the best moments of his life. The post, simply captioned “Mmmhmmm,” included photos of him smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and showing off his stylish outfits in mirror selfies.
One of the pictures showed a comparison between “dreamers” and “doers,” with a group labeled as “dreamers” watching a man, labeled as a “doer,” surfing a huge wave. This player was undoubtedly a “doer.”
His football journey began at Fort Scott Community College after high school. He worked his way up to play for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide, eventually becoming the top cornerback for the Ducks in the 2023 season. This led to his selection in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic news, offering support to the player’s family and the team. They also provided counseling services for those affected by the loss.
The player was known for his infectious energy and ability to motivate those around him. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his sadness, noting how quickly the young athlete had won over his teammates with his confidence and vibrant personality. “He was committed to becoming the best version of himself, not just for his family, but for everyone around him,” O’Connell said.
The accident happened around 3 a.m. as the player and his two friends were traveling in a Dodge Charger. A speeding Infiniti reportedly pulled out in front of them, causing the Charger to swerve off the road and crash into several tree stumps. The Infiniti also hit a Chevrolet Impala, but fortunately, the people in both the Impala and Infiniti were unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet.
