Tyler Sash, Former NFL Super Bowl Champion, Dies At Age 27
Tyler Sash, a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, has died at the young age of 27.
According to Us Weekly, authorities were called to a home on Tuesday following reports of an unresponsive male, which happened to be Sash. It is not currently clear if Sash was dead when the emergency responders arrived, or if he later died at a hospital. However, Iowa state’s medical examiner’s office said Tuesday, September 8 that he had passed away. Currently, no cause of death had been reported, and they do not suspect any foul play. However, an official autopsy will be performed on Wednesday, September 9 to determine his official cause of death.
Sash started 37 games for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2007 to 2010, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior. He was fourth all-time in interception return yardage in the Big Ten when he graduated, and his 13 picks were fifth-best in school history, the Associated Press reported, via MSN.
Sash then went on to play two seasons with the New York Giants, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2011. Following the news of his death, the Giants issued a statement to the media.
“We were all deeply saddened today to hear of the passing of Tyler. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler’s family and friends and all the Hawkeyes he was so proud to represent.”
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz cancelled his weekly press conference and issued a statement regarding Sash.
“We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler,” he said. “It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler’s family during this extremely difficult time – and we want them to know they are not in this alone.”
“To think of somebody that was so selfless and gave so much, such a good guy, I’m just really shocked,” Paki O’Meara, one of Tyler’s former Iowa teammates, said, describing him as a “quiet guy who came alive on game day.”
Twitter was abuzz following the announcement of Sash’s death, with fans, family members, and teammates paying their condolences.
Putting rivalry week aside! Sad to hear that Tyler Sash passed away! Left this earth far too soon! Rest easy brother! #9
— Georges Niang (@GeorgesNiang20) September 8, 2015
So sad to hear about the death of Tyler sash. We became very close over the past few years.. wish we had more time.. RIP brother
— Mike Stud (@Mike_Stud) September 8, 2015
Hawkeye Nation has heavy hearts after the loss of @TSash. Sending our deepest condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/EPUTlytM7o
— University of Iowa (@uiowa) September 8, 2015
Rest in Paradise to Super Bowl champion brother @tsash you left us too soon and you will be truly… https://t.co/ZWFTbK99P9
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) September 8, 2015
RIP Tyler Sash you will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sash family.
— Bryan Bulaga (@BBulaga) September 8, 2015
Damn man. You never know the demons someone else is facing. It’s a sad day when you lose a brother. R.I.P. Tyler Sash.
— Julian Vandervelde (@BatMandervelde) September 8, 2015
[Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images]