Jaguars news: Team, fans and media mourn loss of Uche Nwaneri

Death is an inherited part of life but that doesn’t make it any less painful when we lose people that had a huge impact. This is why the news that former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Uche Nwaneri passed away at the age of 38 on December, 30 is hard to swallow. Ron Wilkins of Lafayette Journal Courier first reported the news and other outlets later confirmed it.

Wilkins reports Nwaneri was at his wife’s home in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was found unresponsive in his bedroom Friday and called 911 according to Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello. An autopsy was performed Monday and Costello says there were no signs of foul play and added that the preliminary results “indicated a possible heart attack, pending toxicology report”.

A fifth-round pick in the 2007 draft, Nawaneri went to Purdue University and spent his seven-year career with the Jags. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 but was released before the start of the season. After he retired, he remained engaged with anything related to the Jaguars, and their fans. The Jaguars posted this message on social media, acknowledging Nwaneri’s passing.

Jaguars fans, the team, and the media react to Uche Nwaneri’s passing

Not long after his passing, those that knew Nwaneri reacted to the news. Eugene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union had nothing but good things to say about the Dallas, Texas native, “Uch was one of the coolest cats to ever occupy that locker room. Opinionated and so lovable”.

Nwaneri was very active on social media and he always stood for what he believed was right. You could agree or disagree with his stance on some topics but he wouldn’t compromise his ideals. Tony Khan took to social media to share his thoughts, “on behalf of the Jaguars organization and my family, our thoughts are with Uche’s family + friends at this terrible time”.

Besides a couple of interactions on social media, I never got the chance to meet Nwaneri but I witness that bond Khan talks about. You will be hard-pressed to find someone who has something negative to say about Nwaneri. In fact, a tribute will be held when the Jags face off against the Tennesse Titans in the season finale.

Someone once said that as long as those who live remember those who are no longer among us, they’re not really gone. And the Jaguars, their fans and the media, and those around Nwaneri keep his memory alive.