The sports world is mourning the untimely passing of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, who was killed in a car accident Monday morning.
The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the westbound services lanes of Woodall Rogers Freeway at Allen Street in Dallas, Texas. A female victim in the car also succumbed to her injuries. Her identity has not yet been released, though several sources have reported that the woman was his girlfriend.
The Texas Christian University standout recently inked a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. The move served as a new chapter for Gladney after he was found not guilty in March of a felony assault charge stemming from a domestic dispute.
Prior to signing with the Cardinals, Gladney was a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, landing on the Minnesota Vikings before being released last August.
Gladney’s best friend and former TCU teammate, Jalen Reagor, took to Twitter, sharing several emotional tweets as news of Gladney’s death circulated.
“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,” the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver wrote in one tweet.
https://twitter.com/jalenreagor/status/1531327563485917185
In several follow-up tweets, he shared that he was “lost for words” and also posted a screenshot of their last text message exchange.
https://twitter.com/jalenreagor/status/1531328774465327107
Former Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka also expressed his feelings regarding the tragic news, reminiscing on his time playing with Gladney during his rookie year.
“One of the most respectful and intentional rookies I’ve been around so far. Always had a smile and came to work. Sad sad. So young, so precious. RIP Young King,” he wrote.
The Cardinals, NFL, and Vikings also released statements sending their condolences to Gladney’s loved ones.
Jeff Gladney was just 25 years old and left behind a one-year-old son.
