Former Wisconsin Football Player from Columbus Dies at 24

Jack Pugh, a tight end for the Badgers, passed away unexpectedly.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers football team, has died at the age of 24. Pugh, who was from Columbus, Ohio, played for the Badgers in 2022 and was on the roster in 2023 before retiring due to health reasons. The Wisconsin Athletics program expressed deep sadness over Pugh's passing, describing him as a 'positive light' who was 'loved by his teammates and staff'.

Why it matters

The death of a young college athlete is always a tragic event that resonates within the sports community and the local community where the player is from. Pugh's story also highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, as he had previously cited struggles with depression and substance abuse as reasons for his retirement from football.

The details

Pugh redshirted his freshman season at Wisconsin in 2021 and played in one game as a redshirt freshman in 2022, earning academic All-Big Ten honors that year. He was on the Badgers' roster in 2023 but spent that season away from the team before announcing his retirement in December 2023, citing his physical and mental health as the reasons.

  • Pugh redshirted during the 2021 season.
  • Pugh played in one game for Wisconsin in 2022.
  • Pugh was on the Badgers' roster in 2023 but spent the season away from the team.
  • Pugh announced his retirement from football in December 2023.

The players

Jack Pugh

A 6-foot-5 tight end from Columbus, Ohio, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers football team from 2021 to 2023 before retiring due to health reasons.

Wisconsin Badgers

The college football team that Pugh played for at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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What they’re saying

“The Wisconsin Athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh. Jack was a positive light and brought genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff. Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.”

— Wisconsin Football

“My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up. Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness. I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole. 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. I'll never forget the memories. Love y'all.”

— Jack Pugh, Former Wisconsin Badgers Tight End

The takeaway

Pugh's tragic passing at a young age serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially for student-athletes who face immense physical and emotional pressures. His story highlights the need for greater support and resources to help college athletes navigate these challenges and find happiness beyond the field of play.