Jack Pugh, a former football player for the University of Wisconsin, has passed away. He was 24 years old.
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The university announced the news with a statement on Tuesday evening. The post did not provide a cause of death or any further details.
"The Wisconsin Athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh," the statement said. "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. Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved."
Our thoughts are with Jack’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nvMTNoAMiQ
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 1, 2026
The Ohio native did not play football his first two seasons at Hilliard Bradley High School, but he switched his focus to football. He ultimately became a four-star recruit and the 12th-ranked tight end in the nation, per The Athletic.
Pugh redshirted during the 2021 season. He then suited up for one game for the Badgers in 2022. He ultimately stepped away from the game of football to focus on his mental health, which he explained with a post on Instagram.
"My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up," Pugh said, per the Associated Press. "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.
"I want to thank the amazing Coaches, Teammates, Friends and Family (Badger Football) has provided me with over the years for helping me find a life I'm happy and proud of, and to finally create a relationship with God. I'll never forget the memories. Love y'all."
