NFL World Hit With 3 Tragic Offseason Deaths

NFL football. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NFL World Hit With 3 Tragic Offseason Deaths

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 11:35 PM ET

The NFL has lost several former stars this year. Former players and coaches died in recent months, some at a young age, others at advance age.

Many fans paid respect to these stars, who made a strong impression on the league while they were active. While some details about the deaths remain unknown, the bad taste it left for fans was visible on social media.

At the start of the month, the 2006 NFF College Football Hall of Famer Dick Farley passed away at 79. He played defensive back for the San Diego Chargers in the NFL.

2 More Deaths Hit The NFL In Recent Weeks

NFL logo (Photo Via Imagn Images)

On April 11, Chris Payton Jones, who appeared in 29 NFL games with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans from 2018 through 2021, died in a tragic car accident. He was just 30 years old at the time of his passing.

Two days later, the Dallas Cowboys learned about the death of John Fitzgerald. He played in the league from 1970 to 1981, spending all his 12 seasons with the Lone Star, winning two championships in the process.

The Cowboys have learned about the deaths of several former players in recent times. However, they have not been the only ones on the receiving end of bad news.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: