Former Detroit Lions linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died, the team confirmed Thursday. He was 25.
No details have been released on the cause of death.
Lemonier, who was drafted by the XFL’s Arlington Renegades in November, instead recently signed with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers for the upcoming season before being traded to the Birmingham Stallions.
He appeared in seven games with the Lions during the 2021 season, finishing with 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals last summer and registered a sack in a preseason game but was later released during training camp.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions said in a statement. “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.”
His agent, Drew Smith of DEC Management, told ESPN that Lemonier and his girlfriend were expecting a child.
Lemonier, a native of Hialeah, Florida, originally signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Liberty in 2020. He saw action in six games, making two tackles.
We are rapidly approaching the midpoint of the NFL season, and of course there is plenty to discuss in fantasy football.
Each Tuesday and Saturday during the season, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody will ask our NFL Nation reporters the most pressing questions heading into the weekend and what to make of the fallout after games are played. Who is primed for a big performance, who is impacted by injuries, what roles might change? Here’s what our crew had to say about some of the biggest storylines heading into Week 9.
Invest, invest and invest. As interim coach Antonio Pierce said, there will be a certain point of emphasis. “They know exactly the task and the plan going forward and what kind of offense we want to portray,” Pierce said of the offensive coaches. “Are you going to sit there and rip up the whole playbook? No. But you better go to your key guys.” Catch that? “Key guys.” As in All-Pros Adams and Jacobs, who Pierce called the “heartbeat” of the team, and rising star Meyers. Yeah, rookie QB Aidan O’Connell’s primary task will be getting that trio more than involved. — Paul Gutierrez
