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, who had recently been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, was in a car with two of his friends when a speeding vehicle crashed into them. Sadly, the player and the driver, who was a high school friend, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third passenger, also a teammate, was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately didn’t survive.
Just the day before the accident, the player shared a series of ten photos on Instagram, showing special moments from his life. The post, simply captioned “Mmmhmmm,” included pictures of him smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and posing in stylish outfits in front of a mirror.
One of the photos stood out—it showed a comparison between “dreamers” and “doers.” In the image, a group labeled as “dreamers” watches a man, labeled as a “doer,” surfing a massive wave. This player was definitely a “doer,” always pushing forward and making things happen.
His journey to the NFL was inspiring. After high school, he started at Fort Scott Community College, working his way up to play for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He became the top cornerback for the Ducks in the 2023 season, which led to his selection in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic news. In a statement, the team offered their support to the player’s family and the team during this incredibly difficult time. They also provided counseling services for anyone affected by the tragedy.
The player was known for his infectious energy that motivated everyone around him. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his grief, saying, “He quickly became a beloved part of the team with his confidence and vibrant personality.” O’Connell also mentioned how committed the player was to becoming the best version of himself, not just for his family, but for everyone around him.
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 still ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet.
