Super Bowl champion dies as wife pays heartbreaking tribute | NFL | Sport

Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey’s wife, Linsey, has confirmed his death by suicide at the age of 38 with a heartbreaking statement on what would have been their 15th anniversary. The guard and offensive tackle was part of the New England Patriots team that won Super Bowl XLIX at the end of his second season in the NFL, after joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis.

Devey went on to play for the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. The Utah native played 44 times during that time, starting 21 games, over the remaining five years of his career in the league.

Devey’s wife, Linsey, has confirmed his death in a post on Instagram. She said: “Today would have been our 15th year anniversary. We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘we’ll talk soon.'”.

A fundraising page has been established for the Devey family and has raised $90,000 (£67,570) from 441 donations at the time of writing. The page describes Devey as “a devoted husband to Linsey and a loving father to their four children”.

It says: “Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. As they face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including mounting medical expenses, the community is coming together to support Linsey and their children.

“The funds raised will help ease the financial burden, allowing them to focus on healing and moving forward without the added stress of immediate expenses. If you are able, please consider donating to support Linsey and their four children during this difficult time.”

An enormous wave of supportive messages has poured in, with Devey’s role as a high school coach having inspired a whole new generation of American football players. “Jordan spent countless hours volunteering as a coach for his own children’s teams and for the athletes at Eagle High School, where he was deeply loved by the players who saw him as a mentor, role model, and friend,” the fundraiser adds.

“His commitment to uplifting those around him extended far beyond sports, as he faithfully served in his church, offering support, counsel, and friendship to anyone in need.”

A close friend of the family took to Instagram to write: “We’ve been hit by a hurricane of sadness for the Deveys. We can’t imagine life without Jordan and love Linsey and the kids like the family. Please pray for them – pray for angels to hold them up. We’re shattered.”