The football world is mourning an immense loss this week. Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman who reached the sport’s pinnacle as a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, has passed away at the age of 38.
His death, which occurred on July 23, 2026, was confirmed to be a suicide by his family. The heartbreaking announcement was made publicly by his wife, Linsey Devey, on Friday—a date that was meant to mark the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.
For a man who spent eight seasons battling in the trenches of the National Football League, the sudden finality of his passing has left a sprawling community of former teammates, coaches, and local loved ones grasping for answers.
A Heartbreaking Loss for a Devoted Family Man
Behind the 6-foot-7, 320-pound frame of an NFL gladiator was a deeply dedicated father of four. The tributes pouring in paint a picture of a gentle giant whose life extended far beyond the white lines of the football field.
In an emotional social media tribute, Linsey Devey reflected on the devastation of losing her husband, noting that their four children share his “eyes, freckles, and compassion”.
“You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence,” she wrote. “We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘we’ll talk soon’”.
A verified GoFundMe campaign established to help the Devey family navigate medical and funeral expenses corroborated the tragic nature of his passing, stating: “Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time”.
According to the fundraising page, Devey was a “cherished member of the Eagle community,” widely respected for his unwavering dedication to serving others. He dedicated countless hours to his church and volunteered as a coach for the athletes at Eagle High School. To the young players he mentored, he was viewed not just as a former pro, but as a “role model, and friend”.
Unsettling Trends: The NFL’s Hidden Crisis
As an investigative sports reporter, it is impossible to look at this tragedy in isolation. Devey’s untimely passing adds to a disturbing and growing dataset regarding the mental health and longevity of former professional football players.
According to recent reports, Devey is the fifth former NFL player to die before turning 40 in the year 2026 alone. Even more alarming? He is the third former player this year to pass away by suicide.
While no official medical conclusions regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or other football-related neurological impacts have been disclosed in Devey’s case, the pattern of early mortality and severe psychological distress among retired offensive linemen demands rigorous, continued scrutiny by the league and medical professionals alike. The transition out of the league, coupled with the physical toll of repeated head trauma, remains an urgent, deadly crisis.
From Tuba Player to Super Bowl XLIX Champion
Jordan Devey’s journey to the NFL was anything but traditional. Born in American Fork, Utah on January 11, 1988, Devey didn’t even play high school football. Sidelined by Osgood-Schlatter disease in junior high, he instead focused on playing the tuba and competing on the local basketball team.
Following a missionary trip to Costa Rica, Devey decided to give the gridiron a try. He enrolled at Snow College in 2009, eventually transferring to the Memphis Tigers where he blossomed into an elite talent. During his senior year in 2012, he earned Second-Team All-Conference USA honors and took home the DeAngelo Williams Most Valuable Player award.
Despite going undrafted in 2013, Devey’s raw size and relentless work ethic caught the attention of NFL scouts. He initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but soon found his footing under Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Devey fought his way from the practice squad to the active roster, famously starting six games during the 2014 season. That grueling campaign culminated in the ultimate prize: hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
A Transient but Resilient Career
Life in the NFL as an undrafted lineman requires grit, and Devey possessed it in spades. Over his eight-year career, he suited up for 44 career games, earning 21 starts.
Following his championship stint in New England, Devey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, where he played 15 games and started nine. His career then transitioned into a journeyman’s path. He spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs (2016–2018), the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2019), and finished his tenure on the gridiron with the Buffalo Bills in 2020 before officially retiring in 2021.
Whether he was acting as a reliable starter or providing critical depth, Devey was known inside locker rooms as a consummate professional who did whatever was asked of him.
Today, the football world is left to remember a man who beat incredible odds to achieve Super Bowl glory, while simultaneously confronting the heartbreaking reality of a life cut tragically short.
Sources Quoted:
- Sports Illustrated / Ravens On SI: Cited for statistics regarding the trend of NFL player deaths in 2026.
- TMZ / LiveMint / Heavy: Cited for direct quotes from Linsey Devey’s social media tribute and public confirmation of his passing.
- GoFundMe: Quoted for community statements regarding Devey’s coaching, mentorship at Eagle High School, and the official confirmation of his suicide.
- Pro Football Reference / Wikipedia: Sourced for hard data regarding Devey’s collegiate history, NFL transactions, and career statistics.
Leo Falsafi is a digital marketing veteran and senior journalist at Virlan.co, where he covers the intersection of digital marketing, gaming, and breaking US trending news. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in SEO and digital strategy, Leo has consulted for and scaled hundreds of companies. His deep industry roots allow him to deliver sharp, fact-checked insights and analysis on the trends shaping today’s digital landscape.
