Gone too much. Jessie Lemonier was a linebacker who played for the NFL and the United States Football League (USFL) before his death at the age of 25.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Detroit Lions wrote on Thursday, January 26, in a statement shared via Twitter. “Jessie was a model friend and a wonderful young man who passed away too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. The cause of the footballer’s death has not been revealed at this time.
In the midst of news from the athlete, his agent Drew Smith confirmed for ESPN that Lemonier and his girlfriend are expecting their first child. The identity of his partner has not been disclosed.
Lemonier began playing football at Liberty University in Virginia in 2018. During his collegiate career, he earned MVP honors in the 2019 Cure Bowl and helped his alma mater score its first bowl game victory.
After his time with the Flames, Lemonier was not selected in the 2020 NFL draft. However, he later signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in April 2020. During his time with the Chargers, he appeared in six games and made two tackles.
He spent the 2021 season with the Lions, first on the practice squad and then, after being promoted, on the main roster. During his time in Detroit, Lemonier appeared in seven games and finished with 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. One of the most famous plays during his tenure with the Lions was when he sacked his star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the Green Bay Packers.
In May 2022, he was released by the Lions making him eligible to be picked up by another team. He was later claimed by the Arizona Cardinals. He was eventually released by the team three months later.
After leaving the Cardinals, the Florida native was selected by the Arlington Renegades minor league football team in the 2023 XFL draft. However, instead of joining the XFL league, he chose to play with the USFL. In December 2022, Lemonier decided to sign as a free agent with the USFL minor league team Houston Gamblers. He was later sold to the Birmingham Stallions, who are the current league champions.
Read on to learn more about Lemonier: