Jessie Lemonier dead at 25: Ex-Lions LB's cause of death yet to be revealed
Jessie Lemonier and the Detroit Lions were bystanders during Damar Hamlin and Peyton Hillis' brushes with death, as well as the Franco Harris and Ronnie Hillman tragedies in recent weeks.
Lemonier was not as lucky as Hamlin and Hillis to survive his brush with death, though, as the former linebacker was announced to have passed away at the age of 25, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard via Pride of Detroit. The cause of death has not been announced.
The Lions were quick to pay tribute to Lemonier:
https://t.co/FL7BP71YhB
"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."
NFL fans also expressed their condolences. As with other recent deaths, a small segment of the comments speculated that the COVID vaccine was the cause, but those posts came under attack from other fans.
Former Detroit #Lions LB Jessie Lemonier has passed away, a source confirms to ESPN. Lemonier appeared in 7 games in Detroit during the 2021 season.
Jessie Lemonier's football career
Jessie Lemonier's death comes on the heels of Damar Hamlin and Peyton Hillis' near-tragedies as well as Franco Harris and Ronnie Hillman's deaths in recent weeks.
Lemonier spent one season with the Lions, in 2021, when linebacker coach Kelvin Sheppard said he was impressed with the player's growth and development.
Before joining the NFL, he played for Liberty in college and was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. He registered two tackles with the team and saw action in six games.
In 2021, he posted 15 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in seven games, including two starts. In 2022, he spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason but had opportunities with the XFL and the USFL. He elected to play in the USFL.
He originally signed with Houston Gamblers, but was traded to Birmingham Stallions and was expected to play for the team in just a few months.