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His agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed his death to multiple
outlets.
"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our
hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning
this tremendous loss," the Cardinals said.
Gladney and a 26-year old female passenger died in a two-vehicle
crash in Dallas, according to reports.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Gladney, a TCU product, with the
No. 31 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played in 16
games, starting 15, and made 81 tackles, had three passes
defensed and forced one fumble in 2020.
The Vikings released Gladney last August following his
indictment in Texas on a felony assault charge in a domestic
violence case. He sat out the 2021 season, and in March, a jury
in Dallas found him not guilty.
"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."
The Cardinals signed him to a two-year deal following his
acquittal and earlier this month they were excited about his
arrival.
"We got an extra first round-pick in free agency," said Dru
Grigson, the Cardinals' director of player personnel on the Big
Red Rage radio show in April. "(He is) incredibly quick-footed,
highly instinctive player.
"We're getting a starter in our building without having to waste
any draft capital."
Condolences poured in on social media Monday.
"Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program,
was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney,"
TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati said in a statement.
"After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in
the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved
everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to
campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this
year, proudly joined by his young son. He will be missed by our
entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences
go to Jeff's family, friends and TCU teammates."
"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain't too
much more I can take man damn!" Philadelphia Eagles wide
receiver Jalen Reagor, a teammate of Gladney at TCU, wrote on
Twitter. "R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."
--Field Level Media
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