Football fans have mourned a heartbreaking amount of NFL stars in 2024.
In February, Tony Hutson passed away at age 48, according to an obituary shared at the time. No cause of death was given.
“Lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends in Tony Hutson last night,” Hutson’s former teammate Randall Godfrey wrote in a social media post that same month. “Please keep the Hutson family in prayer. Our 1996 Dallas Cowboys rookies had a special bond. He made several trips to Valdosta to help with my annual football camps.”
Godfrey added: “I cherished every moment that he had me crying after laughing so hard. One of my fishing buddies and much more. I just knew we would be connecting soon. You caught us off guard with this one. Take your rest my brother. Gone too soon.”
Hutson made a name for himself after playing six seasons in the NFL, including four with the Dallas Cowboys at the beginning of his career.
Vontae Davis‘ passing also shocked sports supporters when he died in April at age 35. The authorities confirmed that Davis was found dead in his grandmother’s home, but they ruled out foul play.
The late athlete followed in his brother Vernon Davis‘ footsteps when it came to joining the NFL. Vernon was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He played for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins before retiring in 2019.
Vontae, for his part, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins during the 2009 draft. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills before retiring from the NFL in 2018. He made two Pro Bowls in his career ahead of his departure.
Khyree Jackson
Cornerback Jackson, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in April 2024, died the following July after a fatal car crash. He was 24 years old.
“I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Golden Richards
The former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears died from congestive heart failure in January at age 73. Richards was previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease as well.
Norm Snead
Snead, who played for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers, died in January at age 84.
Frank Ryan
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at age 87 in January.
Jack Squirek
Squirek, who was a linebacker for the Los Angeles Raiders, died in January at age 64.
Tony Hutson
The former Dallas Cowboys player died in February at age 48.
“Lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends in Tony Hutson,” Hutson’s former teammate Randall Godfrey wrote via Facebook at the time. “Please keep the Hutson family in prayer. Our 1996 Dallas Cowboys rookies had a special bond. He made several trips to Valdosta to help with my annual football camps. I cherished every moment that he had me crying after laughing so hard.”
Andy Russell
Russell, who was a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, died in February at the age of 82.
Chris Mortensen
The ESPN reporter died in March at age 72 after a battle with Stage IV throat cancer. Mortensen was diagnosed in 2016 and retired from ESPN seven years later after extensively covering the NFL throughout his career.
Vontae Davis
News broke in April that Vontae died at age 35. WSVN reported at the time that police and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, where Vontae was found deceased and that no foul play was involved.
