Former Kentucky star and New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen passed away Wednesday.
The “Hefty Lefty” as he was affectionately known had been admitted to a hospital over the weekend after suffering an infection that affected his kidney and heart.
Doctors attempted dialysis but were unable to save Lorenzen, who was 38.
“It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jared Lorenzen, would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your support and prayers over the past 6 days,” the family said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jared today, July 3, 2019.”
“Again, we appreciate all of the warm wishes and prayers but as a family we would request your respect and privacy.”
“I lost my sweet boy today after a long hard fight,” Jared’s mother, Janet, said in a text to ESPN.
Lorenzen played four seasons at Kentucky from 2000-03. He threw for 10,354 yards and 78 touchdowns.
Despite his college success, he went undrafted. The lefty signed with the New York Giants and remained with them from 2004-07. He played in four games, completing 4-of-8 passes for 28 yards as a backup. Lorenzen earned a Super Bowl ring when the Giants defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Lorenzen spent time with the Colts in 2008 but did not see any regular-season action,.
He battled weight issues throughout and gained 200 pounds after his playing career.
In August 2017, Lorenzen, who was affectionately known as “The Hefty Lefty,” announced he would be chronicling his weight-loss journey through “The Jared Lorenzen Project.” He shared his story of avoiding the scale for eight years only to learn he had gained 200 pounds since his playing days in the NFL. Lorenzen lost 100 pounds, telling For The Win, he lost 70 pounds in the first six weeks.
People reacted to his death.
