Former NFL player Jordan Devey, an offensive lineman who spent parts of eight seasons in the league and won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, has died at age 38. Devey’s passing was confirmed on July 23, 2026, and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches, and the youth football community in Idaho, where he had recently begun a coaching career. His family confirmed that he died by suicide, a loss that has renewed conversations about mental health support for former athletes.
Who Is Jordan Devey
Jordan Devey was born on January 11, 1988, in American Fork, Utah. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing around 320 pounds, he had an unconventional path into football. Devey did not play the sport in high school because of Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that causes knee pain and swelling during adolescence. Instead, he was involved in his school’s marching band, playing tuba, trombone, and violin.
After graduating from American Fork High School, Devey served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Costa Rica. By the time he returned home at age 21, his knee pain had subsided, and he enrolled at Snow College, where he walked on to the football team. He later transferred to the University of Memphis, where he developed into a standout offensive lineman and earned Second-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2012.
NFL Career and Achievements
Devey went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. He later joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad and worked his way into a starting role, making his first career start at right guard in the Patriots’ 2014 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Although he was inactive for Super Bowl XLIX, Devey earned a championship ring when the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks, making him the only former Memphis Tigers offensive lineman to win a Super Bowl.
Over the course of his professional career, Jordan Devey played for six NFL organizations:
- Baltimore Ravens
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders
- Buffalo Bills
In total, he appeared in 44 regular-season games and made 21 starts across eight seasons before being released by the Bills on August 31, 2021, which marked the end of his NFL playing career. While he was never a headline name in the league, Devey was widely respected as a durable, versatile offensive lineman who filled a valuable depth role for multiple playoff-caliber teams.
Life After the NFL and Coaching Career
Following his retirement from professional football, Devey and his family relocated to Eagle, Idaho, where he transitioned into coaching and community mentorship. He first worked as an offensive coordinator for the 11U Eagle Stallions in the Idaho Youth Football League, helping introduce young players to the fundamentals of the game.
Earlier in 2026, Devey was named offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Eagle High School football program. Those who worked with him described his coaching style as centered on building confidence and character in young athletes rather than focusing solely on wins. His sudden death has been especially difficult for the Eagle High School community, which had come to view him as more than a coach.
Death of Jordan Devey
Jordan Devey died on July 23, 2026, at the age of 38. His family confirmed through a GoFundMe campaign that he took his own life. His wife, Linsey Devey, shared an emotional tribute on social media, noting that the date of his death fell close to what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. She reflected on their years together and the four children they raised, describing Devey as a devoted husband and father.
There has been no official statement detailing the specific circumstances surrounding his death beyond what his family has shared publicly, and any further details about his personal state of mind in his final days remain private to the family. Reporting on his passing has focused primarily on his football legacy, his coaching impact, and the tributes shared by those who knew him, rather than speculation about the causes behind his death.
Tributes and Public Reaction
News of Jordan Devey’s death spread quickly across sports media outlets and social platforms, with many former teammates, coaches, and fans expressing condolences. The Eagle High School football program shared a heartfelt tribute honoring his contributions to the community, emphasizing that his legacy extended well beyond wins and statistics. According to the program’s statement, Devey made players and families feel valued and helped shape a culture built on character and perseverance.
Former colleagues from his NFL career and from Memphis, where he played college football, also shared memories highlighting his work ethic and humility. The scale of the tributes has reflected how deeply Devey had connected with people throughout each stage of his football journey, from his walk-on days at Snow College to his final years mentoring high school athletes in Idaho.
Family and GoFundMe Support
Devey is survived by his wife, Linsey, and their four children, who range in age from 7 to 13. In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign was established to provide financial support for the Devey family during this difficult period. The fundraiser has drawn contributions from members of the football community, including former teammates and fans who followed his career.
The loss has also renewed public attention on mental health resources available to former professional athletes, many of whom face significant transitions after leaving competitive sports. While Devey had appeared to be thriving in his post-NFL coaching role, his death serves as a reminder that outward success does not always reflect what a person may be experiencing internally.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Devey’s football journey, from a marching band member sidelined by a childhood illness to a Super Bowl champion and respected high school coach, reflects a career built on persistence and dedication. His death at 38 has left a lasting impact on the communities he touched, from Memphis to New England to Idaho. As tributes continue to pour in, Devey is being remembered not only for his years in the NFL but for the mentorship and character he brought to the young athletes he coached in his final years.
Share your thoughts and memories of Jordan Devey in the comments, and stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
This is a sensitive topic involving suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the United States) for confidential support.