Jeff Gladney, Arizona Cardinals cornerback, dies at 25
By Amir Vera and David Close, CNN
Jeff Gladney, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, died in a car crash Monday morning in Dallas, according to the team’s official website.
Gladney, 25, was one of two people that authorities had said were killed in the crash that happened around 2:30 a.m., the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Tuesday.
The crash involved two vehicles, according to a news release from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. A preliminary investigation found that a white vehicle was speeding and clipped a second vehicle from behind.
The white vehicle then lost control and hit a freeway pier beam, killing the man and woman inside, the release said. The second vehicle was also occupied by a man and woman, who were not injured.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified Gladney and the woman who died as Andrea Mercedes Palacios, 26.
Gladney was entering the third season of his NFL career, after playing college football at Texas Christian University. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him as a first-round pick in 2020, but the team released him ahead of the 2021 season after he was indicted on charges of felony assault, according to the NFL’s website.
Gladney was found not guilty in the incident, and the Cardinals signed him to a two-year contract in March 2022. He had recently been training with the team during the NFL’s organized team practices.
“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the Cardinals tweeted Monday. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
The Vikings also released a statement, saying they were saddened by Gladney’s death.
“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,” the team’s’ statement read.
NFL players from across the league their expressed condolences via Twitter.
“Horrifying news to hear this morning. Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff,” tweeted Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt.
“Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man,” tweeted Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who also attended Texas Christian University. “R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please,” he added.
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CNN’s Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.
