Super Bowl winner Jordan Devey found dead at 38; family reveals secret mental health battle

The world of American sports is mourning the tragic death of Jordan Devey, a former offensive lineman for the New England Patriots and Super Bowl champion, who died by suicide at the age of 38. His family confirmed the devastating news, which came just days before what should have been a celebration of his life and marriage.

Devey's wife, Linsey, shared a heartbreaking post on what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. She posted a wedding photo alongside a picture of herself by his hospital bed, writing, "Today would have been our 15th anniversary. We filled the walls of our homes and the corners of our hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought four beautiful children into this world who have your eyes, your dimples, your compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you."

“

Today would have been our 15th anniversary. We filled the walls of our homes and the corners of our hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought four beautiful children into this world who have your eyes, your dimples, your compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you.

The grief extended to the wider community, which launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Devey's wife and four children. The campaign's description is stark: "Jordan tragically took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time." It describes him as a "valued member of the Eagle community, known for his unwavering commitment to serving others." He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a volunteer who spent countless hours coaching his children's teams and mentoring athletes at the local high school.

His parents, Kerry and Leslie Devey, revealed that their son had secretly battled severe depression and anxiety for years. "We are only now beginning to understand that he was fighting a battle he very skillfully hid from everyone," his mother Leslie said. "We know that battle was very serious the last two years. Jordan was the type of person who wasn't willing to share his burdens with others, but he always took on theirs." His father Kerry added that even his wife was unaware of the depth of his struggles, though she knew he wasn't himself. Despite the profound loss, his parents highlighted that his final act of organ donation, made possible by his mother's heroic actions, offered a glimmer of hope and life amidst the tragedy. The family hopes Jordan's story will encourage open conversations about mental health and the importance of organ donation.

“

We are only now beginning to understand that he was fighting a battle he very skillfully hid from everyone. We know that battle was very serious the last two years. Jordan was the type of person who wasn't willing to share his burdens with others, but he always took on theirs.