jack pugh, a former Wisconsin football tight end, has died, the university announced Tuesday (ET). He was 24 and had stepped away from college football citing mental health struggles in December 2023 (ET). His cause of death was not immediately known.
Jack Pugh: Career and Departure
Jack Pugh, an Ohio native, played tight end on Wisconsin’s roster from 2021 to 2022. He redshirted his freshman year and made his collegiate debut in a game against Minnesota the following season. The university noted that Pugh had earned his degree from UW–Madison.
In December 2023 (ET), Pugh announced he was stepping away from the sport because of mental health struggles. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “I made a decision before the football season to medically retire, that I haven’t yet formally announced. My physical health wasn’t near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up. ” He added: “Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness. In no way was football the root of these problems, but everything in my life had distracted me for so long to the point I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole. “
Immediate Reactions
The Wisconsin Athletics statement said: “The Wisconsin Athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh. Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff. ” The statement also said, “Jack proudly earned his degree from UW–Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved. “
Former teammates and colleagues reacted as well. New York Jets running back Braelon Allen, who was Pugh’s teammate at Wisconsin, shared a message on X following news of Pugh’s death.
What’s Next
Officials have not released a cause of death and further details have not been provided. The university announced the news on Tuesday (ET); public updates will depend on statements from family and institutional representatives. jack pugh’s family, teammates and the Wisconsin community are left to mourn while questions about his passing remain unanswered.
