The parents of former NFL guard Jordan Devey, who died by suicide at the age of 38, worry that their son may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is “a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries,” per the Mayo Clinic, and NFL players are four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases than the general population, according to a 2026 report from Mass General Brigham, Boston University and the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
“We believe that he possibly suffered from CTE,” mother Leslie Devey told Fox 13 in Salt Lake City.
Jordan Devey spent three seasons with the Chiefs. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
She added of his seven-year NFL career: “We also feel like this was partly why he’s not with us any longer at the age of 38.”
A GoFundMe page created to support the Devey family stated that the star “took his own life, leaving his family to navigate an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.”
The post did not provide any more details on his death, and Fox 13 reported he died Tuesday morning.
Jordan Devey’s wife, Linsey, posted to Instagram a photo of her alongside her husband in a hospital and said the couple had been set to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary.
“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,” Linsey wrote in her Instagram post. “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.’❤️”
Leslie told Fox 13 that due to the “condition of what happened with his death,” they will not be able to test for CTE and find out definitively if he suffered from the disease.
Leslie Devey (L) and Kerry Devey (R) speaking with Fox 13. Fox 13
The 2026 study from Mass General Brigham, Boston University and the Concussion & CTE Foundation studied 19,824 NFL players from 1960-2019 and concluded that NFLers were 3.8 times more likely to have all-cause dementia and 3.88 times higher to suffer from Parkinson’s than non-players.
“A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense — and brain bank studies indicate that CTE is the primary explanation,” wrote study co-senior author Jesse Mez.
Jordan’s father, Kerry, expressed regrets.
“You think you’re strong until something like this happens…and it brings you to your knees,” Kerry told the station.
“It brings in the what-ifs. What if we’d have done something differently? What if we could’ve seen these signs?”
Leslie stressed the importance of mental health and not staying silent if one is struggling.
Jordan Devey during the 2019 season with the Raiders. Getty Images
“We want people to understand that it’s okay to reach out,” Leslie told Fox 13. “That help is there — and there’s nothing wrong with you for reaching out. You’re not fighting the battle alone.”
Jordan played for five teams in his seven seasons, winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2014 while also suiting up for the 49ers, Chiefs, Raiders and Bills before his career ended after the 2020 campaign
He appeared in 44 games with 21 starts and spent his most time — three seasons — with the Chiefs.
Jordan leaves behind his wife and four children, and the fundraising page has raised nearly $92,000, as of Saturday morning.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
