Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion who played for six different teams, died by suicide at age 38, according to statements shared by his parents, Leslie and Kerry Devey. The tragedy has prompted his family to speak out about the urgent need for open mental health conversations and the potential long-term impacts of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on professional football players.
Jordan Devey’s Journey From American Fork to the NFL
Standing 6’7″, Jordan Devey possessed an outsized physical presence that eventually led him to the highest levels of professional football, according to his parents. Born and raised in American Fork, Utah, he did not play football during high school, where his mother Leslie noted he instead marched in the band as a tuba player. Following a mission to Costa Rica for the LDS Church, a conversation with a Tongan national rugby team companion inspired him to try the sport.
Devey started his college football career at Snow College, where he met his future wife, Linsey. He then transferred to D-1 Memphis University before launching a professional career that spanned six NFL franchises. Most notably, he won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks. After retiring from the league in 2021, Devey settled in Idaho with his family, working as a high school football coach and acting as what his parents described as the “ultimate family dad.”
Did you know?
Jordan Devey’s final act of generosity was registering as an organ donor. His parents discovered the paperwork at the Boise hospital, turning their sudden loss into a way to bless other lives.
Family Raises Concerns Over CTE and Mental Health Struggles
Following his death on Tuesday, Leslie and Kerry Devey expressed fears that their son’s football career took a severe physical and mental toll. “We believe that he possibly suffered from CTE,” Leslie stated, adding that her son was fighting a hidden battle. Because of the specific circumstances surrounding his death, his parents noted that testing for the neurodegenerative disease will not be possible to secure a definitive medical answer.
“What if we’d have done something differently? What if we could’ve seen these signs?” Kerry Devey said regarding the persistent questions left in the wake of the tragedy. In response, the family is urging anyone facing emotional distress to reach out for support rather than fighting alone.
Support Resources and Community Fundraiser
Linsey Devey and her four children are now navigating life without their father. To assist the family during this sudden hardship, an online community fundraiser has been organized to support them through their loss.
Mental health advocates and the Devey family emphasize that resources are readily available for individuals experiencing crisis. Anyone dealing with mental health struggles or emotional distress can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Jordan Devey play for in the NFL?
Jordan Devey played for six different NFL teams during his career, most notably winning a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots.
What causes are Jordan Devey’s parents highlighting?
According to Leslie and Kerry Devey, they are speaking out about the importance of open mental health conversations and the potential impacts of CTE in football players.
How can individuals get help during a mental health crisis?
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental health struggles can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.
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