Former New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen died on Wednesday after a battle with renal and cardiac issues, his family confirmed to ESPN. He was thirty-eight.
Lorenzen was hospitalized last Friday and with heart and kidney problems was admitted to the ICU.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jared,” the family of Lorenzen said in a declaration by Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones. “We appreciate all the warm prayers and wishes, but as a family, we would ask for your respect and privacy.”
Lorenzen played at Kentucky for four seasons (2000-03) and led the SEC as a freshman in passing yards (3,687). He still holds the Wildcats’ record for career passing yards with 10,354.
He was undrafted in 2004, despite his college success, and later signed as a free agent with the New York Giants, backing up Eli Manning in 2006-07. He was a member of the Super Bowl XLII-winning team and appeared in four games, completing four passes for 28 yards.
“Jared was a great teammate and friend, I will always remember his competitive spirit and his good nature. Jared has left us all way too soon.” – Manning
He was nicknamed the “Hefty Lefty” because of his weight, which was mentioned at 285 pounds in his NFL career. After retirement, the weight continued to be a problem for Lorenzen and he said it had risen to over 500 pounds.
In 2017, he launched a videotaped weight-loss journey, The Jared Lorenzen Project. In the first year, he lost about 100 pounds.
“Jared was a special person, and a beloved Giant, Our thoughts are with Jared’s family and friends who loved and appreciated him so much. Just as our organization and our fans did.” the New York Giants said in a statement.