Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman who earned a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots, has died at age 38.
Devey’s family said he died by suicide on July 21.
His wife, Linsey Devey, confirmed his death in an Instagram tribute published two days later, on what would have been the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.
Linsey shared photographs from their wedding and family life while remembering the four children they raised together. “You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence,” she wrote.
Linsey Devey Honored the Life They Built Together
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Linsey wrote that their homes and hearts had been filled with memories, struggles, joy and accomplishments during their marriage. She said their children inherited Devey’s “eyes, freckles and compassion” and shared images from their wedding and later years as a family.
A fundraiser established for Linsey and the children described Devey as a devoted husband, father and member of the Eagle, Idaho, community. The campaign was created to help the family with medical costs and other immediate financial pressures.
The fundraiser also remembered Devey for volunteering with his children’s teams, mentoring players at Eagle High School and serving members of his church community.
Devey Went From the Marching Band to the Super Bowl
Devey grew up in American Fork, Utah, but did not play high school football. His parents told Fox 13 that he instead played tuba in the school’s marching band before serving a church mission in Costa Rica.
He began playing football at Snow College after returning home and later transferred to the University of Memphis. Devey went undrafted in 2013 and signed with the Baltimore Ravens before joining New England’s practice squad.
He appeared in seven regular-season games for the Patriots in 2014, starting four, and earned a ring when the team defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. He was inactive for the championship game but remained part of New England’s title-winning roster.
Devey later played for the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills. NFL records list 44 regular-season appearances during his career.
Coaching Became a Major Part of His Life After the NFL
After retiring in 2021, Devey settled with his family in Eagle and became increasingly involved in youth and high school football. Family members told KSL that mentoring young athletes became one of his greatest passions outside caring for his family.
Devey volunteered with his children’s teams and the Eagle High School football program, where players knew him as a coach, role model and friend. He had recently been selected as the program’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
In its tribute, Eagle Mustang Football said Devey’s influence extended beyond the field and remembered the lessons he gave players about perseverance, teamwork and respect.
His Parents Urged Others to Seek Mental Health Support
Devey’s parents, Leslie and Kerry Devey, said they had only recently learned how seriously he had been struggling with depression and anxiety. They urged others experiencing similar difficulties to speak openly and seek professional support rather than carrying those burdens alone.
They also told Fox 13 that they believe Devey may have experienced chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, after years of repeated impacts in football. Leslie said people should understand that asking for help is not a weakness and that no one has to face a mental health crisis alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day.