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How did Jeff Gladney die? Tributes pour in as Arizona Cardinals cornerback dies at 25

Gladney is the second young NFL star killed in a motor vehicle accident this year — Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died in April after he was struck by a car while crossing a highway on foot in Florida

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, a former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, died on Monday at the age of 25 following a car accident in Dallas. The news was confirmed by his agent Brian Overstreet. "We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time," Overstreet said in a statement to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The cause of the crash and Gladney's death remain under investigation. However, according to NY Post, a 26-year-old female passenger in the car also died.

Gladney is the second young NFL star killed in a motor vehicle accident this year. Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was struck by a car while crossing a highway on foot in Florida.

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Gladney had signed a two-year contract with the Cardinals in March. He did not play last season after being arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman. He was released by the Minnesota Vikings after he was indicted by a grand jury. Gladney was found not guilty before being signed by the Cardinals. Gladney a first-round pick out of TCU, played in all 16 games as a rookie during the 2020 season and had 81 tackles and seven tackles for loss.

Following the news of his death, there has created an outpouring of grief online. A number of Gladney's former TCU and NFL teammates reacted to the news of his death, including Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor and Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson.

"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.," the Cardinals said in a statement.

"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man," said Reagor, via Twitter. "Ain't too much more I can take man, damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney. Brother watch over me please."

Justin Jefferson, who was teammates with Gladney in Minnesota during the 2020 season, also took to social media to pay his respects.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney," the Vikings said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff's current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon."

TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati released a statement, saying: “Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this year, proudly joined by his young son.

“He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Jeff’s family, friends and TCU teammates.”