Former NFL player Tyler Sash reportedly died Tuesday morning at the age of 27.
The New York Post reports that the former New York Giants safety was found dead inside of his Iowa home. His body was discovered by a family member that stopped by Tyler’s home to walk his dog.
Tyler Sash, former Iowa and New York Giants safety, passes away at 27 http://t.co/jZVcApcJzV pic.twitter.com/cisPKssV21
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 8, 2015
According to the report, Sash’s death is currently being investigated by Oskaloosa police as well as the state medical examiner’s office. The New York Giants issued an official statement in regard to Tyler Sash’s passing, according to the New York Post .
“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.”
Tyler Sash played safety for the Iowa Hawkeyes before he was chosen by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. It was a big step for Sash since he chose making himself eligible for the NFL draft over completing his senior season with the University of Iowa.
Former Iowa safety Tyler Sash has died at age 27: http://t.co/dNS79UZgu5 pic.twitter.com/P1nubkgfW4
— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) September 8, 2015
According to the official Iowa Hawkeyes website, Sash was forced to sit through the summer work stoppage during the offseason that year after being drafted to the Giants.
Fortunately, the issue was resolved in time for the regular season — a season that would become Tyler’s most memorable in his relatively short NFL career.
During that season with the Giants, Sash helped the team to make its way towards NFC and Super Bowl championship titles.
Before the team’s big win at Super Bowl XLVI , Tyler Sash opened up about the surreal experience overall in an interview with the Hawkeyes.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. The entire season has gone fast. It’s a very exciting time, for my team, my family, myself; it’s something every kid dreams about, getting a chance to actually play in the Super Bowl, it’s an amazing opportunity. I smile every day, just knowing I’m in the NFL. For somebody to pay me to play football and compete, it’s an amazing feeling — the Super Bowl; the biggest game ever.”
After testing positive for Adderall (a banned substance in the NFL) in 2012, according to Daily News , Tyler Sash was penalized with a four-game suspension.
Sash claimed that he took the prescription drugs legally for an anxiety condition that would assist with his public speaking appearances.
“I had no idea this prescription drug was banned by NFL policy. Although I take full responsibility for this situation, I also want to state that I have never cheated or taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I frown on those who do. I have never been and will never be associated in any way with performance-enhancing drugs… I hope this explanation reinforces my innocence and shows that my intentions were pure.”
As of right now, the cause of Tyler Sash’s death is reportedly unknown. However, an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
[Image Credit: Getty Images]
