Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Parys Haralson has died.
He was 37 and his cause of death has not been released, ESPN reported.
The 49ers announced Haralson’s death Monday, saying in a statement: “The 49ers are heartbroken and shocked by the news of Parys’ tragic passing. Parys was a beloved member of our organization that lived life with an extraordinary amount of passion and joy while leaving an indelible mark on everyone he came across. We extend our condolences to Parys’ family and loved ones.”
We are extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former linebacker and director of player engagement Parys Haralson.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 14, 2021
Statement from the 49ers:
Haralson was on the 49ers from 2006 to 2012, ESPN reported.
The team selected him in the fifth round in 2006 from the University of Tennessee where he was captain his senior season, USA Today reported.
The university honored Haralson’s memory on Twitter saying, “The Tennessee Football family is mourning the sudden loss of VFL Parys Haralson.”
The Tennessee Football family is mourning the sudden loss of VFL Parys Haralson.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 14, 2021
Haralson was a two-time captain for the Vols and finished his career 5th in program history with 21 sacks. pic.twitter.com/ETpG6tE1zI
As a 49er, Haralson racked up 86 games with 295 tackles, 21.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and four passes defended.
He was traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2013.
Over his career he played 118 NFL games with 28 sacks, USA Today reported.
After he retired from playing the game, he returned to the 49ers organization as the team’s director of player engagement where he was given a mission that was “engaging, educating and empowering players to reach their full potential both on and off the field,” ESPN reported.
He held the position for two years, The Associated Press reported.
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