Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney has died in a car accident aged 25, the team have announced.
The 2020 first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings was involved in an accident in Dallas, Texas overnight.
A Cardinals statement read: “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.”
Jeff Gladney
Instagram/Almighty_Gee
Team-mate JJ Watt tweeted: “Horrifying news to hear this morning.
"Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff.”
Gladney played in all 16 Vikings games in his rookie season, starting all but one.
He recorded 81 tackles and three pass break-ups, in addition to one forced fumble.
He was released at the end of that season following an indictment for felony assault and did not play in the NFL last season.
But after being found not guilty in a trial he signed with the Cardinals in March.
Gladney is the second active NFL player to die in a road accident this off-season, after 24-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was hit by a car in Florida last month.