Former University of Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh has died at the age of 25.
“Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program,” the university announced on Tuesday, March 31. “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.”
According to the athletic department’s website, Pugh was majoring in personal finance at Wisconsin.
The school added, “Our thoughts are with Jack’s family during this difficult time.”
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A cause of death has not been revealed.
Pugh, who was a four-star recruit from Columbus, Ohio, retired from football in December 2023, citing personal issues.
“My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up,” he shared at the time via Instagram, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness.”
The post continued, “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 didn’t want to be alive for years. 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 @badgerfootball 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.”
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Pugh’s cousin Kenna Lyn McClelland posted an emotional tribute via Facebook on Tuesday.
“There’s not enough words that will be enough,” she wrote. “My cousin is gone doesn’t even sound right to me, Jack was my brother. My speedy freeze bestie, my ride to school that made me 20 minutes late everyday, my go-to euchre partner, and so much more but most of all my best friend. We had a bond that was out of this world.”
The post continued, “He was the guy that walked into a room and said hello to everyone, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He was polite and kind with the best heart. The goofiest goof ball of all time, it was impossible to be unhappy around him because he would find a way to turn your day around and make you laugh. I don’t know if I’ve endured such pain in my entire life, this one hurts so bad. I love you so much Jackie. This family will never be the same without you and I will miss you every single day.”
