Jessie Lemonier, a former outside linebacker for the Detroit Lions, died at the age of 25, the NFL organization
confirmed on January 26. The reason of death has not yet been made public.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions announced
in a statement on Twitter and Instagram. “Jessie was an excellent colleague and a beautiful young man who died far
too soon. During this terrible time, we are thinking of and praying for his family and friends.
Jessie, a Florida native, played seven games for the Lions in 2021. He began his college career with Virginia’s Liberty
Flames before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. According to NBC Sports, Jessie was just recruited by
the lower league XFL but decided to sign with the USFL.
Jessie’s agent, Drew Smith, informed ESPN that the player and his fiancée are expecting a child together.
Following Jessie’s passing, many fans and fellow sportsmen flocked to social media to express their grief, including
Russell Wilson, who shared the Lions’ memorial on his Instagram Story, along with three prayer hand emoji.
Jessie’s friend and fellow footballer Breiden Fehoko also paid respect to the late star on social media.
