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NFL rocked by former player Parys Haralson's tragic death at 37

Seen here, Parys Haralson during his time in the NFL.
Parys Haralson's death at the age of 37 has rocked American football. Pic: Getty

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.

Pictured here, Parys Haralson #98 talks to defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois #95 during a 49ers pre-season game in 2010.
Parys Haralson #98 talks to defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois #95 during a 49ers pre-season game in 2010. Pic: Getty

"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.

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