NFL players have been providing us with entertainment since the 1920’s. Sometimes I think we forget that they actually have lives outside of football. Some of them live a long life while enjoying the fruits of their labor, others unfortunately pass away, way too soon. I live in St. Petersburg and have become a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year a former player passed away which affected many people that I know. Below you will find a list of Former NFL players who died tragically in Florida.
Has A NFL Player Ever Died During A Game?
Has there ever been a NFL player to die during a game? Sadly, yes. According to CNN, Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes is the only NFL player to die on the field while a game was going on. It happened in 1971 during the 4th quarter. Reports tell us that he collapsed on the field as he was heading back to the huddle for another play.
I was not born back in the 70’s, but we almost witnessed something similar last year. In 2023 Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game. Myself and many others thought he was not going to make it, but Im glad that he was able to pull through. I can’t even imagine what his family was going through while watching that game. These players put their bodies through so much just for our enjoyment.
Former NFL Players Who Died Tragically In Florida
All of the NFl players who died in Florida, died way to soon. To make matters worst, many of the incidents were tragic. They did not deserve to die like this. I am praying for their families, especially their children that they left behind. Below you will find a list of NFL players who died in Florida. If I missed anyone, feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com. May they all rest in Peace.
Vontae Davis
Vontae Davis was a NFL cornerback. He played for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills. Sadly he passed away on April 1, 2024. He was found dead at his Grandmothers home in the Southwest Ranches of Florida. His cause of death is unknown but police say they don’t suspect foul play.
Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett was a Quaterback for the NFL. He played as a backup for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. Mallett’s cause of death was drowning. While in Destin, Florida he was swimming with his girlfriend and was unable to make it to the safety of a sandbar. Ryan Mallett died in June of 2023.
Mike Williams
Mike Williams was a wide receiver for the NFL. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. Many of my friends in the Tampa Bay area knew him and they were devastated when he died in 2023. Reports tell us he was hospitalized after a beam fell on his head while doing construction. After having emergency surgery, he sadly went into a coma. According to the medical examiner, Williams died from bacterial sepsis.
Sean Taylor
Sean Taylor who was born and raised in Florida and was a Safety for the Washington Redskins. In 2007, Sean Taylor passed away after being shot in the leg by a home intruder. Taylor was hit in his femoral artery which caused extensive blood loss. All four suspects were arrested and are serving life in prison.
David Griggs
David Griggs was an outside linebacker for the NFL. Griggs played for 6 season’s with the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers. Reports tell us he passed in 1995 away when his car slid off an expressway ramp from a Florida Turnpike. Police say he collided with a pole in Davie, Florida.
Derrick Thomas
Derrick Thomas was an NFL linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2000 Derrick Thomas got into a car accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He passed away at Jackson Memorial Hospital after telling his mother he was not feeling well. Reports tell us he went into cardiorespiratory arrest and died as a result of pulmonary embolism.
Jerome Brown
Willie Jerome Brown was a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia eagles. He died at the age of 27 in 1992 due to a car accident in Brooksville, Florida. Sadly his 12-year-old nephew died in the accident as well. Reports tell us he lost control of his Corvette while going at a high speed and crashed into a palm tree.
