Former Memphis football offensive lineman Jordan Devey died this week at age 38.
Devey died by suicide, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his wife, Linsey Devey, who also shared the fundraiser on her social media. He is survived by Linsey and their four children.
"Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time," the GoFundMe description reads. "As they face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including mounting medical expenses, the community is coming together to support Linsey and their children."
Devey played for the Tigers in 2011 and 2012.
He played in the NFL for eight years, beginning his career when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted in 2013. The Patriots signed him to their practice squad in September 2013, and he joined the active roster in 2014.
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Devey started six games at left guard for New England in 2014 en route to the team's Super Bowl 49 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
After that, he played one season with the San Francisco 49ers, three years with the Kansas City Chiefs, one year for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and one year for the Buffalo Bills.
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jordan Devey reacts Sep 27, 2015, while playing against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
After his NFL career, Devey volunteered as a coach for his children's sports teams and as a football coach at Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho, according to the GoFundMe.
The Raiders honored Devey's life with an "In Memoriam" social media post Friday.
"Jordan was a proud member of the Silver and Black and will be remembered not only for his contributions on the field, but for the relationships he built and the lives he touched throughout his football journey," the post reads.
Devey had an uphill battle making it to the NFL. After suffering from Osgood-Schlatter disease – which causes inflammation and discomfort in the knee – in junior high, Devey did not play football at all in high school. Instead, he played the tuba for his school band.
Per his Memphis player page, after graduating from American Fork High School in Utah, Devey turned down music scholarships to serve a two-year mission with the Church of Latter Day Saints in Costa Rica. Upon his return, he spent his first two years of college at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, where his knee condition subsided enough to allow him to play football again. After two years splitting time at left guard and left tackle, he transferred to Memphis in 2011 to continue his football career.
As a senior in 2012, Devey won Memphis Football's DeAngelo Williams Most Valuable Player Award. He also was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team that year.
In an interview with Fox 13 in Salt Lake City, Leslie Devey said she believed the brain injury CTE contributed to her son's death Tuesday, Field Level Media reported.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
