Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers, has sadly died at the age of 24. His passing was announced by the university, though the cause has not been disclosed.
Pugh, originally from Ohio, played with the Badgers from 2021 to 2022. In a heartfelt statement, Wisconsin Athletics expressed profound sadness over his death, highlighting Pugh’s warm character and the love he garnered from peers and staff.
The Wisconsin football community is mourning the loss of former tight end Jack Pugh…
He passed away at 24, such a young age
Pugh was a highly-regarded recruit who joined the Badgers in 2021
Though his playing career was cut short by injuries, leading to his medical retirement… pic.twitter.com/3abkWTeyhH
— MAGA SPIRITS 🦅 (@Meta_BTC_) April 1, 2026
In their statement, they noted, “Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.” Pugh had first redshirted before making his Wisconsin debut against Minnesota.
In December 2023, he announced his decision to leave football behind, citing significant mental health challenges. He revealed on Instagram, “I made a decision before the football season to medically retire… My mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up.”
Pugh shared his struggles with prolonged depression and substance abuse, emphasizing his desire for a better quality of life. He stated, “In no way was football the root of these problems, but everything in my life had distracted me for so long.”
Following the news, reactions poured in from former teammates. New York Jets’ running back, Braelon Allen, who played alongside Pugh, urged others to prioritize mental well-being with a simple message: “Protect your mental.”
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