Former Lion Jessie Lemonier has passed away at age 25

Jessie Lemonier, who spent the 2021 season with the Detroit Lions, has reportedly passed away at the age of 25.

According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard and since confirmed by the team, former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier has passed away at the age of 25.

Here’s the statement from the Lions.

"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 at this difficult time."

Lemonier landed with the Lions in 2021, initially on the practice squad. He played in seven games, that season, registering 1.5 sacks and 15 total tackles over 161 defensive snaps.

He played six games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 after signing with them as a undrafted free agent out of Liberty. He signed witt the Arizona Cardinals last year, and played in a preseason game for them before being released during training camp.

In December of 2021, via Pride of Detroit, Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard spoke about Lemonier.

"He’s a guy that has this laid-back (attitude),” Lions linebacker coach Kelvin Sheppard said in December of 2021. “I tell him he belongs on the beach because he has this laid-back demeanor to him. He needs to be pushed. As long as you push him, you hold him accountable, he answers that bell every time. I’m definitely impressed with his growth and development.”"

Lemonier was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in the rebooted XFL in November. He instead recently signed with the Houston Renegades in the USFL. He was then traded to the Birmingham Stallions in that league, as it nears the start of its second season in February.

Former Lion Jessie Lemonier dies at age 25

Details about Lemonier’s cause of death have not yet been released. A native of Hialeah, Florida, he was just five days shy of his 26th birthday. And per Woodyard, there’s an extra layer of sadness here.

His agent, Drew Smith of DEC Management, told ESPN Lemonier and his girlfriend have a child on the way.