Former USC and Chargers lineman Max Tuerk dies at 26

Tragedy struck the USC football family Sunday when former Trojan Max Tuerk died at the age of 26.

No cause of death has been revealed.

Tuerk started for USC at left tackle during his freshman season. He was a freshman All-American in 2012. Tuerk became an All-American center for the Trojans. That led to him becoming a third-round pick of the Chargers in 2016, selected 66th overall.

#FightOnForever, Max Tuerk.

The #TrojanFamily is terribly saddened by the news of Tuerk’s passing, gone too soon at the age of 26, and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/PBzN1J55Ch

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) June 21, 2020

Tuerk never appeared for the Chargers. He did not play a single snap for the Chargers in his rookie season and was suspended for the first four games of the 2017 campaign for violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs.

He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals off of the Chargers’ practice squad in 2017 and played one game before being cut.

 Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Heartbroken by the loss of Max Tuerk. Incredible person, teammate, and Trojan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) June 21, 2020

Just got some terrible news. Damn man, RIP Max Tuerk! Gone too soon.. ✌🏿✌🏿❤️💛

— Dion Bailey (@dbailey_18) June 21, 2020

One of the best OL to come out of OC. I am deeply saddened with the loss of Max Tuerk. I am honor to have played against him in the trenches and to have build a relationship with him off the field. Such a genuine guy. I pray for his close friends and family. Rest easy 🙏🏾 https://t.co/j98IeFU3i5

— Chazz Roberts (@RobertsCoach) June 21, 2020