According to the team’s official website, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died Monday morning in a car crash in Dallas.
Gladney, 25, was among the two people killed in the crash, according to CNN-affiliated WFAA. CNN has contacted Gladney’s agent for comment.
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. and involved two vehicles, according to a Dallas County Sheriff’s Department report. Preliminary investigations have revealed that a white vehicle hit another vehicle at high speed.
The white vehicle then lost control and crashed into a freeway pier beam, killing the man and woman inside, the release said. There was a man and a woman in the other vehicle who were not injured.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney is seen taking action against Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis in the first quarter of an NFL game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Minneapolis.
Gladney was entering the third season of his NFL career after playing college football at Texas Christian University. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him as a first-round pick in 2020, but the team dropped him before the 2021 season after he was charged with aggravated assault, according to the NFL’s website.
Gladney was not found guilty in the incident, and the Cardinals signed him to a two-year contract in March 2022. He was recently training with the team during NFL Organized Team practice.
The Cardinals tweeted on Monday, “We are devastated to hear of Jeff Gladney’s death.” “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all those who are mourning the loss.”
The Vikings have also issued a statement saying they are saddened by Gladney’s death.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as to the Arizona Cardinals and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his death so quickly,” the team statement read.
NFL players from across the league mourned via Twitter.
“Heard the horrible news this morning. Just sad. Rest in peace Jeff,” Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt.
“My brother, my best friend, lost my right hand man,” tweeted Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Regor, who also studied at Texas Christian University. “RIP Jeff Gladney, brother please keep an eye on me,” he continued.
