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Jessie Lemonier death updates — Detroit Lions defensive dies at 25 as girlfriend’s pregnancy revealed by agent

What to know about late Detroit Lions player Jessie Lemonier

FORMER Detroit Lions defensive player Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25 and his agent made a shocking revelation about his personal life.

Lemonier's agent informed ESPN that he was expecting his first kid with his girlfriend, who's identity remains private.

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The news of his shocking death broke on Thursday.

The Lions said in a statement that they were "shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier.

"Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

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NFL tragedies in 2022, conclusion

Dallas Cowboys player Marion Barber III was found dead in his apartment last June.

Jeff Gladney, a player for the Arizona Cardinals died in a car crash in May at the age of 25.

Dwayne Haskins, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers died at 24 after being hit by a car while crossing an intersection in Florida.

Lastly, Shane Olivea a player for the San Diego Chargers died in March after suffering from hypertensive heart disease.

NFL tragedies in 2022, continued

Jessie Lemonier has joined a list of NFL stars that passed away tragically.

In 2022, Gavin Escobar, former tight end of the Dallas Cowboys passed away from a rock climbing incident at just 31.

Tony Siragusa, former defensive tickle for the Baltimore Ravens died in June.

Another Baltimore Ravens player, Jaylon Ferguson died in June after being found unresponsive in his home.

NFL tragedies in 2022

The NFL has lost many beloved players in the past year.

Ronnie Hillman, former running back for the Denver Broncos passed away in December after entering hospice care for Renal Medullary Carcinoma.

Clemson University star Adrian Dingle passed away suddenly at 45 years old in November.

Green Bay Packers and New York Giants alum Antonio Dennard was killed in a shooting last October.

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Lemonier gave props to his coach

Jessie Lemonier tweeted in December 2021 how grateful he was for his coach Josh Aldridge.

He said, “my coach and biggest fan… truly blessed to be coached by you. It means a lot to have this support by my side!”

The comments were flooded with Liberty fans in support of Lemonier’s success.

Cause of death still yet to be revealed

The cause of Jessie Lemonier's death has not been disclosed, and his family has not made the details of his final hours public.

Lemonier was a model professional who loved playing the game properly, according to all sources.

More on Jessie’s career

Jessie played at Hialeah High School in Florida before spending a season at Ventura College in California.

He then transferred to Liberty, helping the school transition to the FBS level during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

While at Liberty, Jessie was named MVP in the 2019 Cure Bowl for the team’s first-ever bowl victory.

He was then signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent before playing with the Lions, according to the NFL.

Jessie’s football highlights

Jessie played in seven games for the Detroit Lions in 2021.

While playing against the Green Bay Packers, Jessie sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

He signed to the Lions practice squad before the 2022 season just before the Los Angeles Chargers released him.

According to the NFL, he had 17 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks, with the other half coming against Arizona on Dec. 19, 2021.

Accomplishments & accolades at Liberty

Made the Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team and VaSID All-State second team.

Started all 12 games at defensive end and named defensive player of the week three times.

Became the third player in program history to record 10 or more sacks in the season.

Jessie Lemonier’s stats at Liberty

Lemonier finished his first season at Liberty with 55 tackles (30 solo, 25 assisted) and 13.5 tackles for a loss (74 yards).

He became the third player in program history to record 10 or more sacks in the season, finishing the year with 10.0 sacks for a loss of 62 yards.

Lemonier would have ranked 8th in the country in sacks per game (0.83) if Liberty was eligible for the FBS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process).

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Former college sends condolences to Jessie Lemonier’s family

The official Twitter of Ventura College sent well wishes to Lemonier’s family after it was announced the former NFL linebacker passed away at the age of 25 today.

Jessie played for Ventura College for a year before transferring to Liberty University.

The post read, “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our former player @Lemonier59 who passed away today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jessie was a 3 year player for us and a great young man. This loss will hurt for a long time and he will be forever missed #VCFF

Fans honor Jessie Lemonier’s Liberty football days

Fans have taken to Twitter to praise the late former NFL linebacker’s time at Liberty University.

One fan wrote, “Jessie Lemonier, one of the greatest ever to wear the Red, White, and Navy. Forever a Flame. We’ll miss you”

Another fan wrote, “So sad to hear about the passing of former Liberty standout Jessie Lemonier. Had a large part in our first bowl win vs. Georgia Southern and helping to build this football program. Praying for his family and friends.”

Jessie’s roommate honors him

One of Jessie Lemonier’s roommates at Liberty University, Zac Zehnder, took to Twitter to share kind words after it was reported the former NFL linebacker passed away.

He wrote, “Jessie Lemonier was one of my roommates at Liberty. Easily one of the most selfless people I have ever gotten to spend time with and he cooked a mean steak. Rest In Peace.”

Former teammate shares heartbreaking post

Defensive end Breiden Fehoko for the Los Angeles Chargers took to Twitter to share a heartfelt post about his former teammate the late Jessie Lemonier.

He wrote, “My brother man. We came in to the league together had to battle through everything rookie year to get where we are. You were always filled with life bro. I LOVE YOU BRO! Please check up on your people. PLEASE”

Below the touching post is four pictures of the two together.

‘A great individual’

Joey Keller, a friend of Jessie Lemonier’s took to Twitter to share what kind of person Lemonier was.

He wrote, “No one I enjoyed working with more at liberty than Jessie Lemonier. Always smiling, laughing and raising up the people around him. Proud to have been able to call him a friend. A great individual gone far far too soon. Heartbroken”

“Prayers to all people that knew him, played with him at Liberty, Detroit LA, worked with him, his friends and family. Absolutely heartbreaking”

Jessie Lemonier’s last NFL team

Jessie Lemonier was claimed off waivers on May 17, 2022, by the Arizona Cardinals.

He was later released by the team on August 17, 2022, and did not get the chance to compete this season.

Lemonier has been a part of three NFL teams total including The Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and the Arizona Cardinals.

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Old friend says Jessie was 'always so happy'

Jessie Lemonier's old teammate, Austin Lewis, from the Liberty University Football team told WSET that Jessie was friendly and that he "never met a stranger."

"That was the thing I always learned from Jessie was he could go up to anyone and talk to them about anything," Lewis said.

"It didn't matter what it was about, he seemed to know a little about everything. And he was just always so happy."

Jessie Lemonier was going to play in USFL

Lemonier was slated to play for the Birmingham Stallions this year in the USFL.

He was first selected by the Arlington Renegades in the 2023 XFL Draft.

He ended up signing with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL on December 31, 2022. 

But his playing rights were immediately traded to the Birmingham Stallions.

Liberty Flames Sports Network pays tribute on air

The Liberty Flames Sports Network radio broadcast paid tribute to former Liberty Flames defensive end Jessie Lemonier at halftime of their men’s college basketball game.

The official Twitter of the Sports Network posted, “Thursday at halftime of our @libertymbb_ radio broadcast we paid tribute to the life of former @libertyfootball defensive end, Jessie Lemonier.”

The former NFL linebacker passed away at the age of 25, there still has been no cause of death revealed at this time.

Former and current Los Angeles Chargers add to tributes

Former Los Angeles Chargers players have commented on the team’s Instagram post remembering Jessie Lemonier.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kemon Hall added a praying hands emoji and a blue heart to the post.

Former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon III wrote, “dam man” accompanied by a white heart emoji, praying hands emoji, and a sad face emoji.

Legendary tight end Antonio Gates added two praying hands emojis to the post.

Detroit Lions players and coaches comment on the passing of Jessie Lemonier

Many former NFL teammates and coaches have commented on the Detroit Lions Instagram post remembering Jessie Lemonier.

Former NFL linebacker and current defensive assistant for the Detroit Lions Kelvin Sheppard wrote, “#RIP NATOR

Cornerback for the Detriot Lions Jerry Jacobs added, “Rest in heaven bro”

Fullback for the Detroit Lions Jason Cabinda wrote, “RIP BRO”

Jessie Lemonier’s NFL career: Arizona Cardinals

Jessie Lemonier’s playing time for the Arizona Cardinals was short-lived as he never made the active roster.

He registered a sack in a preseason game but was later released during training camp.

The Cardinals struggled during the 2022 season finishing with a record of 4-13 and missing the playoffs.

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Jessie Lemonier’s NFL career: Detroit Lions

On September 2, 2021, Jessie Lemonier was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad and promoted to the active roster on October 6.

Jessie played in seven games for the Detroit Lions in 2021, his most notable highlight was when he sacked super bowl winning QB Aaron Rodgers.

Lemonier was waived on May 16, 2022, from the Lions but was claimed the next day by the Arizona Cardinals.

Jessie Lemonier’s NFL career: Los Angeles Chargers

Jessie Lemonier came out of college as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on April 26, 2020.

During that season the Chargers had a record of 7-9 and missed out on the playoffs.

Lemonier was waived and resigned from the team three separate times throughout the season but ultimately got his shot for the Chargers when he was brought up to the active roster for the team’s week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jessie Lemonier concluded the 2021 NFL season with a bang

The 2021 NFL regular season came to a close but not without former Liberty Flame Jessie Lemonier leaving his mark on it.

In their final game of the season, Jessie Lemonier was able to sack four-time MVP QB Aaron Rodgers.

Lemonier was part of the Arizona Cardinals before being released on August 17, 2022.

Jessie Lemonier’s agent adds to tributes

Jessie Lemonier’s agent David Canter took to social media late last night to honor his late friend and client.

He tweeted, “There are no words to describe the last 24 hrs here @gsefootball Need a lot of time to gather my wits after hearing of the tragic death of our client, friend & brother Jessie Lemonier. We will forever be grateful for the laughter & smiles we shared together. Absolute tragedy. RIP”

Lemonier has died unexpectedly at the age of 25, no cause of death has been revealed yet.

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