Former University of Kentucky and New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen has died. He was 38.
Below is a statement the Lorenzen Family shared with Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jared today, July 3, 2019,” it reads, in part. “Again, we appreciate all of the warm wishes and prayers, but as a family, we would request your respect and privacy. We will offer arrangement information in the coming days. Please keep Jared’s family and especially his children in your thoughts and prayers.”
Here is a statement from the family of Jared Lorenzen pic.twitter.com/vTJn2gdNU5
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 3, 2019
“Jared was a special person, and a beloved Giant. He was an important member of our 2007 team, one that created its own destiny,” the Giants said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Jared’s family and friends who loved and appreciated him so much. Just as our organization and our fans did.”
“Jared was a great teammate and friend. We competed against each other in college and came to the Giants together in 2004,” Eli Manning, whom Lorenzen backed up for three pro seasons, said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I will always remember his competitive spirit and his good nature. Jared has left us all way too soon.”
Below is a Twitter tribute from Kentucky.
We lost a great one too soon today. Our hearts are with the Lorenzen family.
We love you, 22. pic.twitter.com/btPrpk8knO
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) July 3, 2019
Lorenzen, affectionately nicknamed the “Hefty Lefty,” played in the NFL for three years. In addition to his run with the Giants, Lorenzen also had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Covington, Ky., native only appeared in four games during his pro tenure, but he did earn a Super Bowl ring as part of that 2007 Giants team.
In his NFL days, the 6’4″ Lorenzen was billed at 285 pounds. He struggled a great deal with his weight after retirement and at one point weighed more than 500 pounds. Lorenzen, who suffered from kidney and heart issues, chronicled his attempt to lose weight in digital series “The Jared Lorenzen Project,” which is available on YouTube.
Lorenzen left the University of Kentucky as the Wildcats’ all-time leading passer in terms of both yards (10,354) and touchdowns (78). Lorenzen is survived by his two children.