Former NFL LB Ryan Jones Dies at Age 26

Former NFL linebacker Ryan Jones was shot and killed on Sunday, June 18, according to Chris Murray and Sarah Litz of USA Today.

Two other men were shot and were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Reno Police Department spokesman Tim Broadway didn't reveal any details on Sunday's shooting due to the ongoing investigation into the matter, per Murray and Litz. 

"We're all mourning this horrible tragedy and hopefully we can get past this and stay very positive on what Ryan was able to accomplish and pursue in his short lifespan," Jones' former coach at Hug High in Reno, Rollins Stallworth, told USA Today.

Jones played college football with Montana Tech before being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2014 NFL draft, the first Oredigger to sign with an NFL team. He was ultimately waived after a month and signed by the New York Giants in 2015, remaining with the team for two months before being cut again.

Montana Tech sent its condolences on Twitter: 

"He was the perfect example and perfect role model for kids who thought it was Division I or bust," Stallworth said. "He showed that if you give it your all and play really hard, there's a college and a level for you."

He added, "His ego wasn't too big that he wouldn't go to junior college and his ego wasn't too big that he wouldn't go to Montana Tech at that level and excel, and he still got an opportunity with two NFL teams."