Former Jacksonville Jaguars guard Uche Nwaneri dies at age 38 “of acute heart failure after collapsing at his wife’s home” as the NFL team pays tribute to his “strong bond” with fans
Former Jacksonville Jaguars player Uche Nwaneri has died at the age of 38.
Nwaneri reportedly died Friday of acute heart failure after collapsing at his wife’s home in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, and could not be rescued.
She reportedly found him unresponsive in a bedroom and called 911. According to the Lafayette Journal and Courier, an autopsy found no evidence of foul play.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced the death of Uche Nwaneri at the age of 38
Nwaneri, a guard, played for the Jaguars for seven seasons and joined the franchise in 2007
Nwaneri reportedly lived in Atlanta, Georgia, where he has business interests and had gone to his wife’s home.
The Jaguars confirmed the news of his death in a tweet on Monday and Tony Khan, son of Jags owner Shahid, tweeted in a statement: “Rest in peace Uche Nwaneri.
“He played 7 seasons with the Jaguars, 2007-2013, and forged a strong bond with Jags fans that continues to this day.
“On behalf of the Jaguars organization and my family, our thoughts are with Uche’s family and friends at this terrible time.”
When he left the Jaguars, he was signed by the Cowboys in 2014, but they later cut him
Nwaneri played 104 games for the Jags in his seven years with the team from 2007 to 2013. He was a fifth-round pick in Purdue’s 2007 draft and started nine games in his freshman season.
He stepped in for Vince Manuwai in 2008 and started in 15 games, retaining his spot even when Manuwai was returning from injury.
He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in June 2014 but was cut in August of that year.