Louis Nix III, who played football for the NFL and the University of Notre Dame, was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He was 29.
The former defensive lineman’s mother, Stephanie Wingfield, reported Nix missing on Wednesday, February 24. She said her son was last seen leaving his father’s house in Jacksonville on Tuesday, telling WJAX-TV that it was “out of the normal for him” to not check-in. Wingfield reportedly had messaged him the same day but had not heard back.
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On Saturday night, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced they had finally located the ex-football player. According to CBS Sports, that announcement came shortly after the authorities pulled out a vehicle, which closely matched the description of Nix’s car, from a pond.
Notre Dame later took to Twitter to confirm the news of the former student’s death on Sunday morning, writing:
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our own, Louis Nix III. We send our deepest condolences and love to his family, friends, and football brotherhood. Forever in our hearts, Big Lou.”
We are saddened by the loss of one of our own, Louis Nix III. We send our deepest condolences and love to his family, friends and football brotherhood.
Forever in our hearts, Big Lou.
https://t.co/0BASrBU77z pic.twitter.com/NVKQZeOW1t
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) February 28, 2021
The college’s Head Coach Brian Kelly shared a tribute video, along with the words:
“Louis Nix, ‘Irish Chocolate,’ we carry these memories until we see you again.”
Louis Nix, “Irish Chocolate,” we carry these memories until we see you again ???? pic.twitter.com/ndTZ9DeaQP
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) February 28, 2021
Former teammate Romeo Okwara, who currently plays for the Detroit Lions, also added:
“Devastating. Rest In Peace, Big Lou. Always wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face. Glad I got to share some unforgettable moments with you. You will be greatly missed.”
According to the school’s obituary for him, he had graduated with a degree in film, television, and theatre in 2014. As fans of the athlete may know, Nix was a third-round draft pick in the NFL the same year. He went on to play for the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released from the Jaguars and ended his football career in 2017.
A cause of death has been yet to be released. The news of Nix’s death comes months after the NFL star was shot during a robbery while filling up his tires at a gas station. From the hospital, he tweeted:
“I’m alive everyone. The bullet that hit me ricocheted off my sternum into my lung. Surgery is the next step so keep praying for me. Thank you all for the positive energy and prayers.”
Our thoughts are with Nix’s family during this difficult time.
[Image via Playstation/YouTube]
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