**Super Bowl-winner Jordan Devey dies at 38**
Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman renowned for his time with the New England Patriots, has passed away at the age of 38. His death has been reported as a suicide, according to a GoFundMe campaign established to support his wife, Linsey, and their four young children. The campaign has garnered significant support, raising over $92,000 of its $200,000 goal as of Saturday morning.
Devey's journey to the NFL was unconventional. Notably, he did not participate in high school football, having stepped away from the sport after junior high due to a condition that caused knee inflammation and pain. Instead, he pursued music, playing the tuba in his school band. After a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Devey returned to football, enrolling at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. His knee issues had improved, allowing him to play two seasons of college football before transferring to the University of Memphis for his final two years.
Despite going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Devey's professional career began when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He later joined the New England Patriots' practice squad in September of that same year. Devey's hard work paid off when he was promoted to the active roster in 2014, contributing to the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks.
Throughout his NFL career, Devey played in 44 games, starting 21 of them. His time in the league included stints with the San Francisco 49ers, where he had a career-high 15 appearances in 2015, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, the then-Oakland Raiders, and the Buffalo Bills, concluding his career in 2020.
After retiring from professional football, Devey remained involved in the sport by volunteering as a coach for his children's teams and serving as a high school football coach in Idaho. His commitment to youth sports reflected his passion for the game and desire to give back to the community.
In a poignant interview with Fox 13 in Salt Lake City, Devey's mother, Leslie Devey, expressed her belief that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain injury associated with repeated head trauma, may have played a role in her son's tragic death. CTE has been a growing concern in the sports community, particularly among former football players, as awareness of its long-term effects has increased.
The loss of Jordan Devey has resonated deeply within the sports community, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges faced by athletes after their playing careers end. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support for those who have experienced the physical and emotional toll of professional sports.
As the GoFundMe campaign continues to gain traction, the outpouring of support from friends, family, and fans reflects the impact Devey had on those around him. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion and a dedicated coach will be remembered by many, while the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports remains vital in the wake of his untimely passing.