Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney, former first-round pick, dies at age 25

Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story included a photo that misidentified Jeff Gladney.

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died Monday morning, the team confirmed.

“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the team said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”

Gladney was 25. Gladney’s agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed to multiple outlets that Gladney was killed in a car accident.

"We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time," Overstreet said in a statement to the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram.

Dallas (Texas) County Sheriff’s Department detective Raul Reyna said two people – a male and a female – died in a crash around 2:30 a.m. near downtown, according to the local ABC news station. The cause of the crash was under investigation, he said.

USA TODAY Sports has reached out to the Dallas Sheriff's Department and Overstreet for additional information.

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The Minnesota Vikings selected Gladney 31st overall in the 2020 NFL draft out of TCU. They released him on Aug. 3, 2021 after a Texas grand jury indicted him on felony domestic violence charges stemming from an April 2021 incident involving his then-girlfriend. Gladney did not play during the 2021 season but signed with the Arizona Cardinals less than one week after a jury found him not guilty.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney," the Vikings said in a statement. "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, who was All-Big 12 in 2019, started 15 games for the Vikings in 2020 with three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

His college teammate, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, tweeted: "Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain't too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."

Cardinals defensive J.J. Watt wrote on Twitter that Gladney's passing was "horrifying news to hear this morning."

"Just tragic," Watt wrote. "Rest in Peace Jeff."

"The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," the league wrote on its Twitter account.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeff Gladney, Cardinals cornerback, dies in car accident at age 25