Trending Now - Tragic Loss: Ex-wisconsin Football Player Jack Pugh Dies at 25
WHO:
ESPN - Jack Pugh was from Columbus, Ohio.
TMZ - Jack Pugh was a once highly touted recruit for the Wisconsin Badgers.
TMZ - Jack Pugh, a former Wisconsin football player.
NY Post - Jack Pugh, who was a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Daily Mail Sports - Jack Pugh, who had previously opened up about his struggles with depression.
WHAT:
ESPN - The University of Wisconsin stated, "Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff."
ESPN - Pugh earned academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022.
ESPN - Pugh redshirted in 2021 before appearing in one game.
ESPN - Pugh graduated from UW-Madison in 2025.
ESPN - Pugh stated in an Instagram post, "My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up."
ESPN - Pugh mentioned, "Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness."
TMZ - Pugh spent three years in the Wisconsin football program.
TMZ - Jack Pugh has died at the age of 25.
NY Post - Pugh retired from football in December 2023 and did not catch a pass during his time with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Daily Mail Sports - The University of Wisconsin announced Pugh's death in a statement, but no cause of death was provided.
WHERE:
TMZ - University of Wisconsin, where Pugh played football.
WHEN:
ESPN - Pugh's death was announced on March 31st, 2026, in the evening.
Daily Mail Sports - Pugh's death was announced on March 31st, 2026, in the evening.
TMZ - Pugh's death was announced on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.
NY Post - Pugh retired from football in December 2023.
WHY:
Daily Mail Sports - Pugh stepped away from football due to struggles with depression.
HOW:
ESPN - Pugh expressed gratitude in his Instagram post, stating, "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."
ESPN - Pugh expressed gratitude towards his coaches, teammates, friends, and family for helping him find happiness and create a relationship with God.
TMZ - Pugh opened up about his struggles off the field, indicating a personal battle with mental health issues.
(UPDATED April 1, 2026 23:08 UTC)
The University of Wisconsin announced the passing of Jack Pugh, a beloved member of their football program, on Tuesday. Pugh, who hailed from Columbus, Ohio, was remembered as a positive light who genuinely cared for his teammates and staff. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for the support he received from coaches, teammates, and family, highlighting the joy he found in his life and his relationship with God.
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(UPDATED April 1, 2026 19:20 UTC)
Pugh, who graduated from UW-Madison in 2025 and earned academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022, announced his retirement from football, citing struggles with mental health and substance abuse as key factors in his decision. In an Instagram post, he reflected on his journey, saying, "My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up," and emphasized that he now feels deserving of a better life. Pugh also expressed gratitude towards his coaches, teammates, friends, and family for their support in helping him find happiness and strengthen his relationship with God.
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(UPDATED April 1, 2026 17:18 UTC)
Jack Pugh, a once highly touted recruit for the Wisconsin Badgers, has passed away. He spent three years in the Wisconsin football program before his untimely death, which was announced on Tuesday, in the evening. The news has left many in the sports community mourning the loss of the young athlete.
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(UPDATED April 1, 2026 15:22 UTC)
Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers, has died at the age of 25, with the University of Wisconsin announcing his passing on Tuesday. Pugh, who retired from football in December 20th23, had previously shared his struggles with depression and mental health issues. While no cause of death has been provided, his journey highlights the challenges many face off the field.