The Detroit Lions confirmed the death of former NFL linebacker Jessie Lemonier at the age of 25.
No details about the cause of death have been made public. Lemonier had recently signed with and been traded from the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, and had been drafted by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades in November. He was set to play for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL this spring.
The Detroit Lions issued a statement saying the following: “”We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions said in a statement. “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.”
Lemonier’s agent, Drew Smith, told ESPN that the linebacker and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
In 2021, Lemonier appeared in 7 games for the Lions, starting 2 of them after being promoted from the practice squad. He recorded 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 15 combined tackles in 161 snaps. Additionally, he played 46 special teams snaps. The Lions released him on May 16, 2022, and he was later claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals, but was released a few weeks before the start of the season.