Former USFL assistant coach Greg Patrick, who also spent two seasons as coach of Arizona’s defensive line, has died, the league confirmed in a statement Thursday. He was 53.
Patrick, who coached for the New Orleans Breakers last season, is reported to have passed away on Sunday, according to The Arizona Republic. His cause of death was not immediately known.
New Orleans Breakers Assistant Defense Coach Greg Patrick poses for his 2022 USFL headshot shot at Protective Stadium on April 1, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama.
(Fox Sports/USFL/Getty Images)
“It is with a heavy heart that we share our deepest sympathy for the recent deaths of two members of the USFL family, coach Greg Patrick and linebacker Jessie Lemonier,” the league said in a statement.
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“Greg was a former assistant coach on defense for the New Orleans Breakers who helped lead the team to a playoff berth last season. Jessie recently signed to play for the Birmingham Stallions.”
Lemonier, who last played with the Detroit Lions of the NFL in January 2022, passed away this week at the age of 25, the team confirmed in a statement Thursday.
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“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the statement said. “Jessie was an exemplary teammate and a wonderful young man who left way too soon.”
Jessie Lemonier of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 28, 2021 in Seattle.
(Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Lemonier also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before being drafted into the XFL and eventually deciding to play in the USFL.
“Both men will be missed and will be remembered as professionals who shared a passion for the game and their communities,” the USFL said in its statement.
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The Detroit Lions’ Jessie Lemonier is set during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on December 12, 2021.
(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
According to The Arizona Republic, Patrick was previously an Arizona football analyst before spending two seasons as defensive line coach under Kevin Sumlin in 2019-20.
Patrick has also had several successful stints as a defense coordinator at local Arizona high schools.
