Jeff Gladney facts for kids
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||
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| Born: | December 12, 1996 New Boston, Texas |
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| Died: | May 30, 2022 (aged 25) Dallas, Texas |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 199 lb (90 kg) | ||||||||
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| High school: | New Boston (New Boston, Texas) |
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| College: | TCU (2015–2019) | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 31 | ||||||||
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Jeff Gee Gladney (born December 12, 1996 – died May 30, 2022) was an American football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for two seasons. Jeff Gladney played college football at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was chosen twice as an all-conference player in the Big 12 Conference. The Minnesota Vikings picked him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2022, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but he passed away before playing for them.
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High School Football Career
Jeff Gladney played football at New Boston High School in New Boston, Texas. He was a highly rated player, known as a "three-star recruit."
On February 5, 2015, he signed to play college football for the TCU Horned Frogs. He had decided to join TCU earlier, on June 6, 2014. Gladney chose TCU over several other universities.
College Football Career
When Jeff Gladney first started college, he had to take a "redshirt" year. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. He did this because he had a knee injury (a torn anterior cruciate ligament) from high school.
After his redshirt year, he became a starter for four years at Texas Christian University. In his third year, he became known as a great "cover corner." This means he was very good at stopping opposing players from catching passes. He earned a spot on the first-team all-Big 12 Conference list.
Before his final year, he hurt his knee again (a meniscus injury). But he played the whole season anyway. He waited until after the season to have surgery. During his time at TCU, he made five interceptions. After his senior year, he was chosen for the 2020 Senior Bowl game. He also earned first-team all-Big 12 honors again.
Football experts who watched players for the NFL draft liked Gladney's strong and physical way of playing.
Professional Football Career
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings chose Jeff Gladney in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the 31st player picked overall.
In his first training camp, Gladney worked hard to earn a starting spot. He competed against other players like Mike Hughes and Cameron Dantzler. He ended up starting almost every game of the 2020 season as a cornerback.
In a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Gladney made his first forced fumble. He knocked the ball loose from running back Brian Hill. The Vikings recovered the ball. For the 2020 season, Gladney had 81 total tackles. He also had three passes defended and one forced fumble.
Gladney was released by the Vikings on August 3, 2021. This was due to an off-field issue. However, in March 2022, he was found not guilty of the charges.
Arizona Cardinals
On March 16, 2022, Jeff Gladney signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He was looking forward to playing for his new team.
Personal Life and Passing
Jeff Gladney had one son, who was born in 2021. He was good friends with Jalen Reagor, who was also picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Reagor is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
On May 30, 2022, Jeff Gladney and his girlfriend, Mercedes Palacios, died. They were in a car crash in Dallas, Texas. Gladney was 25 years old, and Palacios was 26.
