NFL rocked by former player Parys Haralson's tragic death at 37
American football has been rocked by the tragic news that former NFL star Parys Haralson has died at the age of 37.
The San Jose Mercury News first reported the news late on Monday that the former San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints defensive end had passed away.
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Further details of the tragedy, including Haralson's cause of death, were not initially reported.
The 49ers later confirmed his passing, with the franchise struggling to come to terms with the shattering reality.
"The 49ers are heartbroken and shocked by the news of Parys' tragic passing," the 49ers statement reads.
"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."
Haralson played nine seasons in the NFL from 2006-14.
A fifth-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2006, Haralson played seven seasons with the 49ers before finishing his career with the Saints.
He retired with 28 career sacks and 275 tackles. He left Tennessee ranked fifth all time in program sacks with 21.
Haralson returned to the 49ers in 2016 in a front-office role as the team's director of player engagement for two seasons.
Tributes to Parys Haralson roll in on social media
Former teammates Donte Whitner and C.J. Spillman were among those to tweet about his death after the news broke Monday evening, with tributes rolling in across social media.
R.I.P to my former teammate and Friend Parys Haralson aka P-Town. Praying for his family. ππΎ
β DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) September 13, 2021
Crazy how I wake up from Sleep to find out my former teammate Parys Haralson passed away in his. RIP to a 49er Legend ππ½ππ½ππ½ππ½ππ½
β CJ SPILLMAN (@CJSPILLMAN27) September 13, 2021
The Tennessee Football family is mourning the sudden loss of VFL Parys Haralson.
Haralson was a two-time captain for the Vols and finished his career 5th in program history with 21 sacks. pic.twitter.com/ETpG6tE1zIβ Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 14, 2021
We are extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former linebacker and director of player engagement Parys Haralson.
Statement from the 49ers:β San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 14, 2021
Prayers go to the family of my friend and former teammate Parys Haralson. I will always appreciate his energy, enthusiasm, and toughness. https://t.co/tmiTcnzbQt
β Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 14, 2021
The New Orleans Saints are saddened to learn of the passing of Parys Haralson, who died Monday at the age of 37 π
Statement: https://t.co/8wSJApsNgB pic.twitter.com/yehKzeSNF8β New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 14, 2021
My heart aches hearing of the sudden passing of such an incredible person and teammate. My condolences to the Haralson family and all who have been impacted by this news. ππΎππΎππΎ https://t.co/0FwF2MuDPJ
β Bryant Young (@Bgr8t) September 14, 2021
So sad to hear the news of the loss of Parys Haralson. I was blessed to be involved with so many young men in the coaching profession. When I think of Parys my first thought is what a great young man he was. Very talented and so much fun to be around.
β John J Chavis (@CoachJohnChavis) September 14, 2021
Oh goodness how absolutely tragic. Parys Haralson was one of the absolute best #Vols pass rushers we have had over the past two decades, and that is far too young for a life to end. My goodness what terrible news https://t.co/cxq8BSAaQB
β Shawn Coleman (@StatsSAC) September 13, 2021
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