The Jordan Devey family is at the center of national attention following the sudden death of the former NFL offensive lineman, who passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 38. Devey’s wife, Linsey Hodgkiss Devey, confirmed his death in an emotional social media post the following day, revealing that he died by suicide. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from former teammates, coaches, and the tight-knit community of Eagle, Idaho, where the Devey family had settled after his professional football career ended.
Who Was Jordan Devey
Jordan Devey built an eight-year career in the National Football League after going undrafted out of college. He played collegiately at Snow College from 2009 to 2011 before transferring to the University of Memphis, where he continued his development as an offensive lineman from 2011 to 2013. Despite not being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, Devey earned a roster spot with the Baltimore Ravens before eventually landing with the New England Patriots. His time in New England proved to be the highlight of his career, as he was part of the Patriots roster that won Super Bowl XLIX following the 2014 season, earning him a championship ring.
After his stint with the Patriots, Devey’s career took him across the league. He spent the 2015 season with the San Francisco 49ers, followed by three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2016 to 2018. He also had stints with the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills before retiring from professional football in 2021. Standing at 6-foot-7, Devey was known throughout his career for his physical presence on the offensive line, but those close to him say his impact off the field was even greater.
The Jordan Devey Family: Wife Linsey and Their Four Children
At the heart of this story is the Jordan Devey family, particularly his wife, Linsey Hodgkiss Devey, and their four children, who range in age between 7 and 13. Linsey announced her husband’s death on Friday, July 24, 2026, a date that would have marked the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary. In her post, she reflected on the life they built together, sharing photographs from their wedding and recalling the milestones, struggles, and triumphs the family experienced over the years.
Linsey also shared that Devey’s final words to her were a simple promise to talk again soon, a detail that has resonated deeply with those following the story. Her tribute painted a picture of a devoted husband and father whose presence extended far beyond his football accomplishments. Friends and family have consistently described Devey as someone who prioritized his family above all else, dedicating much of his post-NFL life to his wife and children.
Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support Linsey and their four children with medical costs and other financial burdens associated with the tragedy. The fundraiser describes Devey as a devoted husband and father whose influence stretched throughout the Eagle, Idaho community, where the family had made their home after his retirement from professional football.
Life in Eagle, Idaho and Community Involvement
After stepping away from the NFL, the Devey family settled in Eagle, Idaho, where Jordan Devey became a well-known and respected figure in the local community. He had recently been appointed as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Eagle High School, a role that allowed him to mentor young athletes in the same sport that had defined much of his own life. Beyond his coaching duties, Devey also volunteered with his own children’s youth sports teams, further embedding the Devey family within the fabric of the community.
Devey was also an active member of his church, where those who knew him say he regularly offered encouragement and support to others. Former teammates have echoed similar sentiments online, with ex-Chiefs players including Chris Conley and Cam Erving posting messages of condolence and support for the family following the announcement.
In an unexpected turn, Devey’s family later learned that he had registered as an organ donor, a decision his parents only discovered upon arriving at the hospital in Boise. His father, Kerry Devey, and mother, Leslie Devey, have since spoken publicly about the significance of that choice, describing it as a way for their son to continue helping others even after his death. Devey’s parents are also using this moment to raise awareness about mental health among former athletes, encouraging open conversations about the emotional toll professional sports can take long after a career ends.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Support
The football world has responded with an outpouring of sympathy for the Jordan Devey family since news of his death broke. Teams he played for throughout his career, including the Patriots, 49ers, and Chiefs, have all acknowledged his passing, with the Chiefs organization specifically noting his contributions during his three seasons in Kansas City. Fans and former colleagues have flooded social media with tributes highlighting his character, work ethic, and dedication to mentorship both on and off the field.
The GoFundMe organized for Linsey and the four Devey children has continued to draw donations from around the country, with organizers emphasizing that every contribution helps ease the financial strain during an incredibly difficult time. Supporters have also used the platform to share personal memories of Devey, many of them centered on his willingness to serve as a mentor and role model to young athletes in Eagle.
A Broader Conversation on Mental Health in Sports
Devey’s death has also reignited conversations about mental health support for current and former professional athletes. His parents have been vocal about wanting to remove the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, particularly among individuals who may appear, from the outside, to be thriving. They have encouraged others facing similar battles to reach out for help rather than suffering in silence, noting that support is available to anyone who needs it.
For those affected by this story or dealing with their own mental health struggles, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 in the United States and Canada.
Final Thoughts
The story of the Jordan Devey family is one marked by both profound loss and an outpouring of community support. While his NFL career included a Super Bowl championship and stops with several notable franchises, those who knew him best say his true legacy lies in the devotion he showed to his wife, Linsey, and their four children, as well as the countless young athletes he mentored in Eagle, Idaho. As the family navigates this difficult chapter, the community that Devey helped build continues to rally around them, offering both financial and emotional support during an incredibly painful time.
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