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

DALLAS, TX — Jeff Gladney, a former Texas Christian University defensive standout who was the Minnesota Vikings' first-round draft pick in 2020, has died at the age of 25 according to multiple reports.

Gladney 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.

Jeremiah Donati, the TCU athletic director, posted a statement on his Twitter account Monday afternoon.

“Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney," Donati wrote. "After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater."

"He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this year, proudly joined by his young son. He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Jeff’s family, friends and TCU teammates.”

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.

Many players, including TCU teammates Jalen Reagor and L.J. Collier Tweeted their disbelief about his death.

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.