Former Steelers Practice Squad WR Passes Away At 35 Years Old In Latest Bit Of Tragic NFL News

Wylie became a decorated player at Fresno State, where he spent all five years of his college career. He broke out in a big way in his fifth and final season, specifically as a punt returner. In 2011, Wylie had 29 punt returns for 446 yards (15.4 yards per return), along with two touchdowns. He also accumulated more than half of his career receiving totals in 2011, as he finished with 56 catches, 764 yards from scrimmage, and one touchdown.

That led to his rise in the draft, as the Chiefs took him 107th overall, just two spots before the Steelers took defensive lineman Alameda Ta'amu. Wylie spent time with several other NFL franchises, including in 2013 in which he appeared in two games for the Tennessee Titans. Ultimately, his NFL days were over after the 2015 season, as the Atlanta Falcons released the former fourth-rounder from their practice squad.

This recent news continues a rough go of it for the NFL as of late. Within the past week, former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden along with two of his former University of Houston teammates passed away in a car crash. Including those three, a total of six people were killed in the tragic accident. Within the Steelers world, there has been several former players that have passed away over the past year or two. 

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Former Super Bowl champion linebacker Clark Haggans just passed away this past June at the age of 46. Before that, it was Hall of Famer Franco Harris and former running back Sidney Thornton. Harris passed away just days before the team was set to honor him and the anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception." Backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins remains one of the more depressing bits of news out of the NFL in the past few years as well.

Haskins spent just one season in Pittsburgh and, just a few months ago, further details surrounding his death were revealed. Haskins was extorted, drugged, and robbed before tragically dying. The details of Wylie's death will likely be revealed at a later time, but for now, it's important to allow his family some privacy. While he may not have been a name that many fans remember, it's another sad day in the NFL.

Do you remember when Wylie was with the team's practice squad back in 2013? Do you remember where you were when the tragic news of Haskins dropped? As always, share your support and thoughts in the comment section below.