Former NFL Quarterback Jared Lorenzen Dies at Age 38: Reports

A stock photo shows an ambulance with lights flashing. (Joshua Lott/Getty Images)

Former NFL quarterback Jared Lorenzen died at age 38, it was reported June 3.

Local media outlets in Kentucky reported that Lorenzen died after he was placed in intensive care at a hospital, according to WAVE3. A family friend confirmed the news to the station.

According to TMZ, he was battling heart and kidney issues.

“It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jared Lorenzen, would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your support and prayers over the past 6 days,” his family said in a statement to the news outlet. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jared today, July 3, 2019.”

The family added: “Again, we appreciate all of the warm wishes and prayers but as a family we would request your respect and privacy.”

Lorenzen became a national sensation because he weighed around 300 pounds and played quarterback.

He was signed by the New York Giants in 2004 after playing for the University of Kentucky football team. Lorenzen won a Super Bowl ring as part of the 2007 Giants team.

He went on to play indoor football for the Northern Kentucky River Monsters in 2013.

According to Lex18, he openly struggled with keeping his weight down and started the “Now Let’s Get Fit” organization.

Lorenzen also would openly joke about his weight.

“I came out of the womb big as can be. I was a 13 pound baby,” he once said

His cause of death was not released.

Another Former Giants Backup Shot

Lorenzen’s death comes just days after Anthony Wright, a former Giants backup quarterback and teammate of Lorenzen, was shot in North Carolina during a domestic dispute.

Police said Wright, 43, was hospitalized after the incident, reported the Sun Journal in North Carolina.

The incident took place in Concord, North Carolina, and officials said they arrived on the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. They found Wright with several gunshot wounds.

He was reportedly listed in stable condition in the hospital.

Witnesses told police that he got into a verbal dispute with his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. He showed up to drop off his daughter, the Sun Journal reported.

Soon, an argument unfolded and shots were fired, the report stated.

No arrests have been made yet, but officials are looking for William Moses Hooker Jr., and a warrant was issued for his arrest for assault with a deadly weapon—inflicting serious injury with intent to kill.

After playing college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, he played in the NFL for the Cowboys, Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals from 2000 until 2007.