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Jeff Gladney's Vikings, Cardinals Teammates Hit Hard by News of his Death

Gladney tragically lost his life in a car accident early on Monday morning.
Will Ragatz|
Jeff Gladney's Vikings, Cardinals Teammates Hit Hard by News of his Death
Jeff Gladney's Vikings, Cardinals Teammates Hit Hard by News of his Death

The football world was hit with awful, tragic news on Monday: Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, a first-round pick of the Vikings in 2020, died in a car accident in Dallas overnight.

Gladney, who starred at New Boston High School (TX) and TCU before entering the NFL, was 25 years old. He leaves behind an infant son, Kingston, who turned 1 in February.

It's just incredibly sad news, especially for all of Gladney's family and friends.

After spending the first 15 months of his career with the Vikings, Gladney was released when he was indicted on domestic violence charges. But he was found not guilty in February, signed with the Cardinals in March, and was about to get another opportunity in the NFL.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney," the Vikings said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon."

Many of Gladney's former teammates — at TCU and in the NFL — took to social media to offer their condolences and pay respects.

"This Jeff Gladney news hitting me different," tweeted former Vikings safety George Iloka. "Had the privilege of playing with him during his rookie year in Minnesota. One of the most respectful and intentional rookies I’ve been around so far. Always had a smile and came to work. Sad sad. So young, so precious. RIP Young King. Condolences to his family and loved ones as well."

Here are some additional posts from former teammates, including close friends Jalen Reagor, Cameron Dantzler, and Kris Boyd. Rest in peace, Jeff Gladney.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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