Former Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25, it was confirmed on Thursday morning.
Lemonier played in seven games – and two starts – for the Lions during the 2021 season and recorded a sack of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the regular-season finale in January 2022.
It is currently unclear how he died, and his agent confirmed to ESPN that ‘he and his girlfriend were expecting a child’. He would have turned 26 on Tuesday.
Jessie Lemonier, pictured with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, has died at the age of 25
Lemonier (right) celebrates with his Detroit Lions teammates during the 2021 season
Lemonier was from Hialeah, Florida, and is the younger brother of former Auburn and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Corey Lemonier, a third-round pick in 2013 who also spent time with the New York Jets, Lions and Cleveland Browns.
‘We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier. Jessie was a model teammate and a wonderful young man who is gone far too soon,’ a statement from the Lions said.
The Chargers also released a brief statement, reading: ‘Gone too soon. our hearts are with jessie’s family, friends and loved ones.’
The Chargers also released a brief statement sharing support for his friends an family
Chargers defensive end, Breiden Fehoko, who played with Lemonier in Los Angeles during their rookie season together in 2020, paid tribute to his ‘brother’ and their ‘battle through everything’ together.
‘My brother man,’ Fehoko tweeted. ‘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! Please check up on your people. PLEASE.’
Drafted by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades in the 2023 draft, Jessie Lemonier instead signed with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers and was traded to Birmingham for quarterback Montell Cozart. He was set to play for Birmingham this spring.
Chargers DE, Breiden Fehoko, who played with Lemonier in Los Angeles paid tribute
Lemonier’s agent confirmed to ESPN that the former NFL player was expecting a child
Lemonier last played in the NFL in January 2022, and was set to play for Birmingham in the XFL
Lemonier began his college career at Ventura College and played at Liberty, posting 20.5 sacks in two seasons.
He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers and played in six games in 2020. He joined the Lions in 2021 and was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster in November 2021.
Lemonier was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals in March 2022 and spent the offseason with the team before he was released at the end of training camp in August.
Tributes from the football community flooded in Thursday after the news of his death broke.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson shared a photo of Lemonier to his Instagram story with a series of praying hands emojis.
Hugh Freeze, who coached Lemonier during his time at Liberty, said he was ‘heartbroken’ to hear of the player’s passing.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson shared a photo of Lemonier to his Instagram story
Hugh Freeze, who coached Lemonier during his time at Liberty, said he was ‘heartbroken’
The head coach posted on Twitter: ‘Heartbroken!!! Jesse was one of the most intense players and incredible teammates that I have ever coached. Prayers for peace to his family.’
Former Denver Broncos safety Nick Ferguson also shared his condolences as he wrote: ‘My heart weeps for Jessie Lemonier friends, family and former teammates. The loss of life is always a painful situation to deal with. Condolences to all who knew him.’
Joey Keller, a friend of Lemonier, who played with him at Liberty, said: ‘No one I enjoyed working with more at liberty than Jessie Lemonier. Always smiling, laughing and raising up the people around him. Proud to have been able to call him a friend. A great individual gone far far too soon. Heartbroken
‘Prayers to all people that knew him, played with him at Liberty, Detroit LA, worked with him, his friends and family. Absolutely heartbreaking’
Former Denver Broncos safety Nick Ferguson also shared his condolences on social media
Joey Keller, a friend of Lemonier, who played with him at Liberty posted a tribute on Twitter
