Jessie Lemonier: Ex-Detroit Lions Linebacker Dies at 25

Detroit Lions announced on Thursday that its former linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died. He was 25.

The cause of death is still unknown at this time. The Arlington Renegades of the XFL originally drafted Lemonier in November.

However, he recently signed with the USFL's Houston Gamblers for the upcoming season before he was traded to the Birmingham Stallions, ESPN reported.

Lemonier started seven games for the Detroit Lions in 2021, recording 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He registered a sack in a preseason game after signing with the Arizona Cardinals last summer, but he was let go during training camp.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier," the Detroit Lions said in a statement.

The team added: "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."

Drew Smith of DEC Management, who represents Lemonier, told ESPN that Lemonier and his girlfriend are expecting a child.

As an undrafted free agent in 2020, the Florida native inked up with the Los Angeles Chargers. He played in six games and recorded two tackles.

Jessie Lemonier Early Career

Before moving to Liberty University, Jessie Lemonier played for a year at Ventura College in California after graduating from Hialeah High School in Florida.

During his two years at Liberty, he was instrumental in the Flames' ascent from the Football Championship Subdivision to the NCAA's Division I FBS (2018-19).

Lemonier ended his time at Liberty by winning the Cure Bowl MVP award and leading the Flames to their first-ever bowl game triumph.

Liberty's victory over Georgia Southern in the Independence Bowl made them the third FBS team to do it in their inaugural year of eligibility.

After playing his whole career for the Flames, Lemonier finished with 20 1/2 sacks, ranking third all-time in the program's history, according to the Associated Press.

The Chargers took a chance on him as an undrafted free agent and signed him.

Liberty University Pays Tribute to Jessie Lemonier

The college where Jessie Lemonier played football, Liberty University, paid tribute to him with a social media post, according to PEOPLE.

"The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier," the university said, adding that he "was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room."

The university further noted that "Liberty Athletics will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers that God may bring peace and comfort to them during the difficult days ahead."

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, like many others, posted the Detroit Lions' tribute on his Instagram Story alongside three prayer emojis after hearing the news of his death, E! Online reported.

Breiden Fehoko, a fellow football player and friend of Lemonier, also posted a tribute to him on social media. Fehoko referred to the former linebacker of the Detroit Lions as his "brother" in a tweet.

"We came in to the league together had to battle through everything rookie year to get where we are. You were always filled with life bro. I LOVE YOU BRO!" he added.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Jessie Lemonier, Former Detroit Lions Linebacker, Dead at 25 - From Entertainment Tonight