Terps Football Player Dies After Collapsing At Team Workout
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- The University of Maryland community is mourning the loss of a sophomore football player who died Wednesday after collapsing during an organized team workout two weeks ago.
Jordan McNair was doing what he loved, practicing with his teammates in College Park, when he had to be rushed to the hospital on May 29.
His cause of death is unknown at this time.
"I was really sad. A lot of sad things have been happening around campus lately, it's just kind of tough to take the news," senior Katelyn Jensen said.
McNair was a Baltimore County resident and McDonogh School stand out who chose the University of Maryland over Penn State and Auburn University. Flowers and a cross now frame his locker.
In a letter from Maryland's Executive Athletic Director Damon Evans, he said, "Jordan was a tremendous athlete, student, teammate and friend, and he will be sorely missed. We offer our deepest condolences to his parents, family and friends."
Coach D.J. Durkin also passed along condolences to McNair's family:
Our team is heartbroken with the loss of Jordan McNair. Jordan was an incredible young man, and his passion and enthusiasm made him an invaluable and beloved member of our team. Jordan was a hard worker and he always had a smile on his face. He was an extremely talented football player and a humble and genuine human being. He embodied the essence of what it means to be a teammate. Jordan was a fighter. Over the past few weeks, Jordan never gave up with his family, friends and team by his side. Our team will continue to be inspired by the spirit of this brave fighter. Please continue to pray for Jordan's family during this difficult time.
McNair was a four-star recruit and two-time All-Metro first-team selection from McDonogh in Randallstown. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound McNair appeared in one game last season against Towson.
According to a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical expenses, the 19-year-old received a liver transplant while he was hospitalized.
"My heart goes out to his family. I mean, it's sad," senior Khalib baker said.
Reactions to his death have flooded social media, from the NFL to teams that once scouted him to his Terp teammates.
Read the full letter below:
Dear Terrapin Family,
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our student-athletes, sophomore football player Jordan McNair. Jordan was a tremendous athlete, student, teammate and friend, and he will be sorely missed. We offer our deepest condolences to his parents, family and friends.
Jordan was hospitalized following an organized team workout on May 29 and passed away today, June 13. For those who had the opportunity to know Jordan, you understand the sadness we are feeling.
Coach DJ Durkin asked me to pass along the following thoughts on his behalf:
Our team is heartbroken with the loss of Jordan McNair. Jordan was an incredible young man, and his passion and enthusiasm made him an invaluable and beloved member of our team. Jordan was a hard worker and he always had a smile on his face. He was an extremely talented football player and a humble and genuine human being. He embodied the essence of what it means to be a teammate. Jordan was a fighter. Over the past few weeks, Jordan never gave up with his family, friends and team by his side. Our team will continue to be inspired by the spirit of this brave fighter. Please continue to pray for Jordan's family during this difficult time.
Counseling services are available for our student-athletes and for our staff.
Our thoughts and support continue to be with his family as they grieve the loss of this outstanding young man.
Sincerely,
Damon Evans
Executive Athletic Director
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