Brittany Mahomes sent an emotional public message of support to the family of former Kansas City Chiefs player Jordan Devey after he died by suicide at the age of 38.
His death was confirmed by his wife, Lindsey, last week on what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. He also leaves behind four young children.
The news stunned the NFL and prompted Mahomes, the wife of the Chiefs quarterback Patrick who played with Devey in the quarterback’s breakout season, to try and help the family in such a difficult time.
Sharing a link to the GoFundMe that has been started to help Lindsey after her husband’s death, Mahomes wrote: ‘If you feel so inclined to help somebody today, please let it be this family!
‘This family is going through an incredibly devastating time and any love, prayers or donations sent their way would be such a blessing!’
Devey was an offensive lineman who played in Kansas City for two seasons from 2016, with Patrick Mahomes replacing Alex Smith at quarterback in 2018.
Brittany Mahomes has sent a public message of support to Jordan Devey’s family
Devey’s wife, Lindsey, announced his death at 38 in an emotional Instagram tribute
Mahomes shared support and encouraged people to donate to the family’s GoFundMe
Devey also played seven regular season games for the New England Patriots when Tom Brady led them to Super Bowl glory in 2014. He last featured for the Buffalo Bills and his career ended when they released him in August 2021.
Announcing his passing last week, wife Lindsey wrote: ‘We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs.
‘We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘we’ll talk soon.”
The nature of his death was confirmed on the GoFundMe, which has raised $125,000 as of Monday morning.
‘Tragically, Jordan took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,’ the page reads.
‘As they face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including mounting medical expenses, the community is coming together to support Lindsey and their children.’
Following his playing career, Devey transitioned into coaching, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Eagle High School in Idaho.
But his parents have since said that they suspect Devey might have had CTE.
Former NFL star and Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey died by suicide at the age of 38
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, can only be diagnosed posthumously. But while the degenerative brain disease has been found in a number of former NFL players who died by suicide, the manner of Jordan’s death prevents any such testing.
‘Because of the condition of what happened with his death,’ Jordan’s father, Kerry, told Fox 13, ‘we’re not going to be able to test for that and have a definitive answer.’
‘What if we’d have done something differently?’ Kerry asked, rhetorically. ‘What if we could’ve seen these signs?’
His mother Leslie encouraged anyone dealing with mental health issues to reach out for help.
‘We want people to understand that it’s okay to reach out,’ Leslie said. ‘That help is there – and there’s nothing wrong with you for reaching out. You’re not fighting the battle alone.’
Patrick, meanwhile, has had to leave Brittany and his three young kids for training camp as the Chiefs ramp up their preparations for the new NFL season.
He has been cleared to practice freely after tearing his ACL in December last year. The Chiefs start the season on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium against AFC West rivals Denver Broncos.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
