Former Lions LB Jessie Lemonier Dies at Age 25; Most Recently Played in USFL

The Detroit Lions announced Thursday that former linebacker Jessie Lemonier died at the age of 25.

The team did not provide any further details, but it released the following statement regarding Lemonier's death:

After starring collegiately at Liberty, Lemonier signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and appeared in six regular-season games as a rookie, recording two tackles.

After getting waived by the Chargers during the 2021 preseason, the Lions signed him to the practice squad and later promoted him to the active roster in October 2021.

Overall, Lemonier appeared in seven regular-season games for the Lions, starting two of them, and registering 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Lemonier spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2022 preseason, but he was released prior to the start of the regular season and did not catch on with another NFL team.

The XFL's Arlington Renegades selected Lemonier in the 2023 XFL draft in November, but he instead opted to sign with the USFL's Houston Gamblers last month.

Lemonier's rights were then traded to the Birmingham Stallions, and he was preparing to play for them during the 2023 USFL season, which begins in April.