A promising NFL prospect tragically lost his life in a car accident early Saturday morning, just hours after sharing a poignant final post on social media.
According to police reports, a speeding car collided with a vehicle carrying the 24-year-old football player and two of his friends. The player, who had recently been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, was pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver, who was a high school teammate. Another passenger, also a teammate, was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive.
On the day before the accident, the player shared a series of ten photos on Instagram, capturing 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 images 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 journey began at Fort Scott Community College after graduating from high school. He climbed the ranks to play for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide, eventually establishing himself as the best cornerback for the Ducks in the 2023 season. This led to his selection in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
In a statement, 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 contagious energy, which motivated those around him. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his grief, noting how quickly the young athlete had endeared himself to his teammates with his confidence and vibrant personality. O’Connell also emphasized the player’s commitment to becoming the best version of himself for both his family and those around him.
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 veer off the road and collide with several tree stumps. The Infiniti also struck a Chevrolet Impala, but fortunately, the occupants of both the Impala and Infiniti were unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time.