Jared Lorenzen, the beloved former quarterback who was popularly known as “The Hefty Lefty,” has passed away at age 38. Lorenzen’s mother Janet confirmed the news to Russ Dinallo, who produced the E:60 story on Lorenzen.
“I lost my sweet boy today after a long hard fight,” she said in a text message.
On Friday, June 28, Lorenzen was hospitalized and admitted to the ICU. Lorenzen was suffering from an infection, along with kidney and heart issues.
An official cause of death has yet to be announced, but his heart and kidney issues were a strong contributing factor.
Lorenzen is a Kentucky Wildcats football legend and a former quarterback for the New York Giants.
“Jared was a great teammate and friend. We competed against each other in college and came to the Giants together. 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,” former Giants teammate Eli Manning said in a statement.
Lorenzen’s family also issued a statement which read:
It is with a heavy heart that the family of Jared Lorenzen would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your support and prayers over the past 6 days. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jared today, July 3, 2019. 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.
Lorenzen has been on a weight loss journey after his weight got to over 500 pounds following his playing career. Lorenzen documented his journey on a YouTube series titled “The Jared Lorenzen Project” and was the subject of an ESPN E:60 documentary, “The Hefty Lefty.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Lorenzen’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
