Jeff Gladney Death: Former Viking Had Just Bought House For His Mom, Report Says

DALLAS, TX — Jeff Gladney, a recent Arizona Cardinals signing and the Minnesota Vikings' first-round draft pick in 2020, has died at the age of 25 according to multiple reports.

Gladney, a cornerback, was in a car accident, his agent said. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Minnesota's Star-Tribune reported Gladney was in the Dallas area this weekend.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office told the Star-Telegram that a female passenger also died. The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Monday on the Woodall Rogers Freeway, the report said.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney," the team said. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon."

Gladney had just closed on a house for his mom, the Star-Telegram reported. A real estate company had posted a photo of him and his mother.

"Every little boy dreams of making it big and buying his mom a big house... Congratulations Jeff Gladney, achievement unlocked!" the post said.

Gladney was a standout for Texas Christian University before the Vikings selected him.

The Vikings released Gladney in 2021 after he was charged with felony domestic violence, but he was later found not guilty, according to the Star-Tribune.

He signed with the Cardinals in March.