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How did Jessie Lemonier die? Football community in shock as ex-Lions and Chargers linebacker dies at 25

Jessie Lemonier's career in football began in his college years while he was at Ventura College and played at Liberty

HIALEAH, FLORIDA: Former Detroit Lions linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25, the team announced on Thursday, January 26. The news has left the fans and the football community in shock as it was recently that they witnessed NFL stars, Peyton Hills and Damar Hamlin, being hospitalized in critical condition.

“We are 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,” the team's statement read. On Thursday, DEC Management's Drew Smith, the agent of Lemonier told ESPN that the former NFL player was expecting a child with his girlfriend. A brief statement was released by Chargers that read, "Gone too soon. our hearts are with Jessie's family, friends, and loved ones."

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How did Jessie Lemonier die?

Lemonier's cause of death is currently unclear. On Tuesday, January 31, he would have turned 26. Hailing from Hialeah, Florida, Lemonier is the younger brother of Corey Lemonier, a former Auburn and San Francisco 49ers linebacker.

Brieden Fehoko, defensive end of the Chargers recalled playing his rookie season with Lemonier in Los Angeles in 2020 paid his tribute, and called him his "brother." Fehoko tweeted, "My brother man. We came into the league together and had to battle through everything in the 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."

Lemonier's football career

The young player's career in football began in his college years while he was at Ventura College and played at Liberty. In two seasons, Lemonier posted 20.5 sacks.

Learning of the athlete's passing, his coach at Liberty, Hugh Freeze, said he was "heartbroken." In his tweet, he wrote, "Heartbroken!!! Jesse was one of the most intense players and incredible teammates that I have ever coached. Prayers for peace to his family."

In 2020, Lemonier made his entry into the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent and played in six games. In 2021, he joined the Lions in the practice squad, and in November 2021 he was elevated to the active roster, according to Daily Mail.

In March 2022, Arizona Cardinals' waivers were claimed off by the athlete. In August 2022, before Lemonier was released at the end of the training camp, he spent the offseason with his team. Lemonier signed with the USFL's Houston Gamblers and was set to play this year though he was previously selected by the XFL's Arlington Renegades. The athlete's playing rights were transferred to the Birmingham Stallions.