Jessie Lemonier’s 2019 MVP campaign a stark reminder of late Lions LB’s skills
Jessie Lemonier, who sadly passed away at the age of 25, was one of the most underrated defensive linemen in college football. Back in 2019, the Liberty Flames won the 2019 FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl. It was the school's first bowl victory in its program history. The Flames beat the Georgia Southern Eagles by a score of 23-16 at Exploria Stadium.
Lemonier was named the Most Valuable Player following the win after helping stop the Eagles’ triple-option offense by getting eight tackles and two sacks. He spoke after the game about his team and its efforts on defense.
Lemonier said:
"We actually love adversity. When the offense gets a turnover, we are happy to get back on the field, because there’s more opportunities for us to make plays and stop them. It allows us to show how great we can be as a defense.”
In his two seasons with the Flames, Jessie Lemonier racked up 135 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks. When it came to being drafted, the talented defensive end took the path of an undrafted free agent to play in the NFL.
Jessie Lemonier and his NFL career
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Lemonier as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He had two tackles in six games for the Chargers in that 2020 season. The former Liberty star played in seven games for the Detroit Lions in the 2021 season, accumulating 15 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks. In a statement, the Lions commented on his passing, emphasizing how great of a teammate he was.
The statement said:
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier. Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
Last November, Lemonier was drafted by the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. However, he signed with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL for the upcoming season before being traded to the Birmingham Stallions.
Jessie Lemonier's agent, Drew Smith, commented that he and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN, Cure Bowl and H/T Sportskeeda.