Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died early Monday in a car accident, his agent Brian Overstreet confirmed to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” Overstreet told the newspaper.
Jalen Reagor paid tribute to his former TCU teammate on Twitter, calling Gladney “my brother, my best friend” and “my right-hand man,” Sports Illustrated reported.
Justin Jefferson, who played with Gladney for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2020 season, also paid his respects to his former teammate via Twitter.
The Vikings selected Gladney, 25, as the 31st overall pick on the 2020 NFL draft. He recorded 81 total tackles, three pass deflections and a forced fumble over 15 games during his rookie season, Sports Illustrated reported.
Gladney sat out the 2021 season, however, after the Vikings cut him in the wake of a felony assault charge. Gladney was acquitted of the charge in March, and he signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, the Star-Telegram reported.