Football Tragedies of 2025: Marshawn Kneeland and More Shocking Deaths

Many former football stars, both at the collegiate and NFL levels, have died in 2025.

Football fans were stunned to learn of the death of former Louisiana State University wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who was widely expected to be drafted into the NFL in 2025, on April 13.

Lacy, sadly, was not the only member of the football community who died this year. Tragedy also struck the NFL community in October when New York Jets legend Nick Mangold died of complications from kidney disease. Just weeks later, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died unexpectedly days after recovering a blocked punt to score his first career touchdown.

Scroll below to look back at the lives lost in 2025:

Marshawn Kneeland

The Dallas Cowboys announced that Marshawn Kneeland died on November 6, three days after the Cowboys' loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Kneeland scored his first career touchdown in that game, recovering a blocked punt in the endzone. He was 24.

Nick Mangold

The former New York Jets center Nick Mangold died at age 41 from complications due to kidney disease on October 25, days after revealing via Instagram that he was awaiting a kidney donation. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease since 2006.

Doug Martin

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin died while in police custody on October 18. Police responded the night of his death to a break-in at a private residence in Oakland, California, where neighbors say Martin entered their home in a "disoriented state." After a brief struggle, Martin was taken into custody where he soon became unresponsive. Police took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Corey Adams

Corey Adams, a University of Mississippi freshman defensive end, died in a shooting in Tennessee on July 19. He was 18. Adams' death was ruled a homicide and the investigation is ongoing. "We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee," a statement from the football team read. "While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

Brian Williams

Former Texas A&M safety Brian Williams died at 24 years old of heat stroke on May 18, one day after running a half marathon in Irving, Texas. "B you are my heart," Brian's brother, Rawleigh, wrote via Instagram. "The BEST version of us in every single way B. I don't think I can make it without you but I'm going to try for our parents and our sister. I love you brother."

Charles Rogers

Former University of Minnesota defensive end Charles Rogers died at age 31, on the same day as Williams, after suffering cardiac arrest during the Brooklyn Half Marathon. "Charles put everything he had into everything he did," his wife, Sydney Rogers, told the New York Post. "While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself."

Jeremiah Kelly

University of Cincinnati freshman Jeremiah Kelly died on Tuesday, April 22, the school announced. "The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of freshman football student-athlete Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning," a statement read. No cause of death was given. Kelly was 18 years old. A native of Avon, Ohio, Kelly was an early enrollee who practiced with the football team during the spring semester in 2025.

Todric McGee

Missouri State University safety Todric McGee died in April 2025 after a possible "self-inflicted gunshot wound," according to authorities. He was 21. "On behalf of the university and our entire department, we want to express our condolences to Todric's family, friends and teammates," the school's director of athletics, Patrick Ransdell, said in a statement. "This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core, and we want them to know we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time."

Kyren Lacy

Kyren Lacy's death was confirmed by relatives on April 13. Lacey had declared for the NFL Draft and was considered a probable pick after banner years at LSU. His death occurred months after he was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless driving. Lacy maintained his innocence and was scheduled to appear in court one day before his death was confirmed.

Howard Twilley

Howard Twilly was a major part of the 1972 Miami Dolphins team that boasted a perfect season and was a star receiver for Tulsa for three seasons. He died on February 5 at the age of 81. After his football career ended, Twilley opened his own chain of sporting goods stores and coached Metro Christian Academy in Tulsa.

Dick Jauron

Jauron was both a player and a coach and was at the helm of the Chicago Bears when the team won the playoffs in 2001. He died February 8 at age 74 following a short illness. Jauron's career in the NFL spanned 26 seasons, including eight as a player and 28 as a coach.

Virginia Halas McCaskey

McCaskey was the daughter of Pro Football Hall of Fame player George Halas and also served as the main owner of the Bears from 1983 until her death on February 6 at age 102. Under her leadership, the Bears won five NFC Central Championships in a row.

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This story was originally published April 13, 2025 at 1:20 PM.