A young former professional football player has died of liver disease at the young age of 33-years-old.
According to NFL.com, a former linebacker and Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, Geno Hayes, passed away on Tuesday. He was recently living in hospice care fighting liver disease.
“Geno was a
beloved teammate and often the first player to volunteer his time to our efforts in the community,” the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said in a written statement. “He frequently visited schools and had a remarkable ability to connect with children. Losing him at such a young age is heartbreaking.”Hayes, before being drafted and playing in the NFL, played college football at Florida State. His former coach, Mike Norvell posted his well wishes on Twitter.
“Thoughts and prayer for the family and friends of Geno Hayes. He lived his life as a tremendous Seminole who impacted so
many throughout his journey on and off the field. His legacy will live on. #RIP#NoleFamily.”Hayes spent four NFL seasons with the Bucs, being drafted in the sixth round in 2008. He then proceeded to play one year with the Chicago Bears and two other seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hayes started 70 games in his career as he made 401 tackles, 48 for losses. He also had 10 sacks, six interceptions, and six forced fumbles.
Hayes is survived by his wife, Shevelle, and 2 children Gemarii, 13, and Skyler, 8.