Gerald McCoy shared a short message that carried deep weight. He spoke about loss and how frequent these moments have become. In just a few lines, he gave voice to a feeling many of his former peers quietly carry.
His words hinted at something larger that did not need to be fully explained to be understood.
Gerald McCoy Breaks Silence On Teammates Lost Too Young
McCoy said this was not the first time he had lost someone from his playing days. He mentioned former teammates who died young. The response came fast across social media as people offered condolences and raised hard questions about how well former players are supported.
“Man that’s the 5th teammate I’ve lost. Yea I’m done for the day. Yall go check on yall people man,” McCoy wrote on X.
Man that’s the 5th teammate I’ve lost. Yea I’m done for the day. Yall go check on yall people man.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 19, 2025
Following the recent death of his former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammate Doug Martin, McCoy reflected on the losses of five former teammates, all of whom died before the age of 40.
McCoy, who is now an NFL Network analyst, has stated that losing fellow players so young serves as a sobering reminder of the mental health challenges many athletes face after leaving their sport.
“You don’t want to get to a point where you become numb to it,” McCoy told The Athletic. “It’s just hard to deal with, and it’s unbelievable. This keeps happening.”
The early deaths of McCoy’s former teammates show the harsh reality for many NFL players after their careers end. These deaths show the mental and physical health struggles that can follow retirement.
Life After Football Takes Dark Turn for Some as CTE & Substance Abuse Continue to Haunt
From alcohol and drug issues to chronic illness and accidents, the challenges former athletes face are serious and often devastating. For McCoy, seeing these losses again and again has turned personal grief into a reminder that life after football is not easy.
Stories like Daniel Te’o-Nesheim and Vincent Jackson, who were diagnosed with CTE after their deaths, suggest that head injuries from football may play a role in these struggles.
In Doug Martin’s case, the official cause of death is still under review, but his family confirmed he was battling severe mental health issues.
These patterns of tragedy have produced public discussion and calls for stronger support systems to help players adjust after leaving the game.
The league may review its policies and programs. Families and friends could push for more answers and support. For McCoy the message was simple and clear. Check on the people you love and do not wait until it is too late.
