A promising NFL player tragically lost his life in a car accident early Saturday morning, just hours after sharing a heartfelt final post on social media.
According to police reports, the 24-year-old football player and two of his friends were in a vehicle when a speeding car collided with them. The player, who had recently been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, was pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver, a high school teammate. Another passenger, also a teammate, was rushed to the hospital but sadly did not survive.
The day before the accident, the player posted a series of ten photos on Instagram, showing moments from his life, including his time at Vikings practice. The post, simply captioned “Mmmhmmm,” featured him smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and showing off his stylish outfits in mirror selfies.
One of the photos depicted a comparison between “dreamers” and “doers,” with a group of people labeled as “dreamers” watching a man, labeled as a “doer,” surfing a massive wave. This player certainly embodied the spirit of a “doer.”
According to TMZ, his football journey began at Fort Scott Community College after graduating from high school. He then played for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide, eventually becoming the best cornerback for the Ducks in the 2023 season. This led to his selection in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their deep sorrow over the news, offering support to the player’s family and the team during this difficult time. The team also provided counseling services for those affected by the tragedy.
The player was known for his infectious energy, which inspired those around him. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his grief, noting how quickly the young athlete had connected with his teammates through his confidence and lively personality. “He was committed to becoming the best version of himself for his family and everyone around him,” O’Connell said.
The accident occurred around 3 a.m. when the player and his two former teammates 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 struck a Chevrolet Impala, but fortunately, the people in the Impala and Infiniti were unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet.