Former Minnesota Vikings first round pick Jeff Gladney died in a car accident on Monday. He was 25-years-old.
Gladney and a female passenger were reportedly killed at 2:30 a.m. while driving on a Dallas freeway on May 30. The cornerback was in town to close on a house he purchased for his mother in his hometown area.
The former TCU standout recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals for the 2022 season. “We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss,” the team tweeted on Monday.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 30, 2022
“Saddened by the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” his alma mater posted.
Gladney was selected by the Vikings as a first-round draft pick in 2020, starting in 15 games for the team during the season. He had 81 tackles during his first season in the NFL, but was released from the team in August of 2021, when he was indicted on domestic abuse.
A Dallas jury found not guilty of felony assault charges that allegedly stemmed from an argument with his then girlfriend. He was forced to sit out the entire 2021 season, but was hired by the Cardinals just days after being acquitted in March.
Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Reagor, who played with Gladney at TCU, mourned the loss of his best friend on Twitter. “Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please,” he wrote.
Imma miss you like Crazy bro… watch over me please. pic.twitter.com/vFMt8VNIMQ
— Reag (@jalenreagor) May 30, 2022
Gladney leaves behind a son, who turned one in February.
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