NFL tragedies 2024: The saddest and most shocking deaths

Football fans have mourned a heartbreaking number of NFL stars in 2024.

In February, Tony Hutson died at the age of 48, according to an obituary published at the time. The cause of death was not stated.

“I lost one of my favorite teammates and best friends last night in Tony Hutson,” said Hutson’s former teammate Randall Godfrey wrote in a social media post that same month. “Please pray for the Hutson family. Our 1996 Dallas Cowboys rookies had a special bond. He has traveled to Valdosta several times to help me with my annual football camps.”

Godfrey added: “I enjoyed every moment he made me cry after laughing so much. One of my fishing buddies and then some. I just knew we would bond soon. You caught us off guard with that one. Rest easy, my brother. Gone too soon.”

Hutson made a name for himself after playing six seasons in the NFL early in his career, including four with the Dallas Cowboys.

Vontae DavisDavis’ death also shocked sports fans: He died in April at the age of 35. Authorities confirmed that Davis was found dead in his grandmother’s house, but ruled out foul play.

The deceased athlete followed his brother Vernon Davis‘ footsteps when it came to joining the NFL. Vernon was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He played for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins before retiring in 2019.

Vontae, on the other hand, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2009 draft. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills before ending his NFL career in 2018. (Before his retirement, he participated in two Pro Bowls in his career.)

Scroll down to see the heartbreaking NFL tragedies of 2024: