The Birmingham Stallions’ Jessie Lemonier, a former Detroit Lions linebacker, died at the age of 25.

The Lions disclosed his death in a statement Thursday, adding they confirmed it with his family. They did not provide any details.

“Jessie was a model teammate and a wonderful young man who is gone far too soon,” the Lions said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Drew Smith of DEC Management told ESPN that Lemonier’s girlfriend is expecting a child with the late NFL player.

Lemonier, who appeared in seven games for the Detroit Lions in 2021 in a brief NFL career highlighted by a sack of Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, was signed to the Lions practice squad before the 2022 season, days before being released by the Los Angeles Chargers. He had 17 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks, with the other half coming against Arizona on Dec. 19, 2021.

Liberty University, where Lemonier played for two seasons, got a call from its former coach and current Auburn coach Hugh Freeze about the player’s death, per The Associated Press.

“The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier,” the Lynchburg, Virginia, school said in a statement. “Jessie was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room.”

Lemonier was set to make his debut for the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions in April.

“The USFL family was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Jessie Lemonier,” a USFL spokesperson told WBRC. “He was a talented football player and by all accounts a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Lemonier is the brother of former Auburn player Corey Lemonier, who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets.

After spending this past offseason with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, Jessie Lemonier signed with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in December and was immediately traded to the Stallions. He had not participated in any activities with either team.

Lemonier was waived by the Lions in May and claimed by Arizona. He spent the offseason with the Cardinals and part of training came before being cut this past summer. He signed with the Houston Gamblers of the XFL in December and was traded to the Birmingham Stallions.

Lemonier was selected by the Arlington Renegades in the 2023 XFL Draft but opted to stay with the USFL.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.