Former Jaguars linebacker Geno Hayes passes away at age 33

Tragic news last night, as it was reported that Geno Hayes, a former linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, had passed away on Monday night, according to WCTC in Tallahassee, Florida. He was just 33-years-old.

Hayes had been battling liver disease, and the Tallahassee Democrat reported last week that Hayes entered hospice care in Valdosta, Georgia due to complications from that. He was battling Stage 3 liver disease. Hayes also recently spoke to ESPN about falling into a deep depression due to his health.

Hayes played for the Jaguars for two seasons in 2013 and 2014, originally signing with the team as a free agent in March of 2013. He went on to play in 30 games for Jacksonville, with 25 starts, and recorded 128 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, four passes defended and two forced fumbles during his time in Duval.

Coming out of Florida State in the 2008 NFL Draft, Hayes was selected in the sixth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent four seasons in Tampa, and eventually became a starter for the Bucs. He then played one year for the Chicago Bears in 2012 before heading to Jacksonville the following season.

Overall, Hayes recorded 401 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six interceptions, 21 passes defended, six forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 101 career games (70 starts).

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.