Jessie Lemonier, former Chargers, Lions linebacker, dies at 25

Former NFL linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25, the Detroit Lions confirmed Thursday.

No cause of death has been revealed. 

The 6-3, 240-pound Lemonier signed with the Arizona Cardinals last summer and played in a preseason game before being released during training camp. He was planning to play in the USFL this spring after signing with the Houston Gamblers and being traded to the Birmingham Stallions.

Lemnier last played in the NFL in 2021, appearing in seven games for the Lions, registering 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

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"Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time," the Lions said in a statement. 

Lemonier was an undrafted free agent from Liberty University when he broke into the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, appearing in six games and making two tackles. 

His agent told ESPN that Lemonier and his girlfriend were expecting a child.