Former Wisconsin Tight End Jack Pugh Dies at 24

Pugh had stepped away from football to prioritize his mental health.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style illustration depicting the silhouette of a football player broken down into sharp, angular geometric shapes in dark, muted colors, conveying a sense of the complex emotional and mental challenges faced by student-athletes.The tragic loss of a young athlete who bravely stepped away from the game to prioritize his mental health.Columbus Today

Jack Pugh, a former University of Wisconsin tight end who left the sport to focus on his mental health, has died at the age of 24. The university confirmed Pugh's passing on Tuesday, though the cause of death has not been released.

Why it matters

Pugh's story highlights the ongoing challenges student-athletes face in balancing the demands of their sport with their personal well-being. His decision to prioritize his mental health over his football career was a brave and important step, and his tragic passing underscores the need for greater mental health support and resources for young athletes.

The details

Pugh joined the Wisconsin football program in 2020 as a highly recruited player, but he redshirted in 2021 and only appeared in one game in 2022. In December 2023, Pugh announced that he was medically retiring from the sport, citing struggles with depression and substance abuse that had distracted him from prioritizing his mental health.

  • Pugh joined the Wisconsin football program in 2020.
  • Pugh redshirted during the 2021 season.
  • Pugh appeared in one game for Wisconsin in 2022.
  • In December 2023, Pugh announced he was medically retiring from football.
  • Pugh passed away on April 2, 2026.

The players

Jack Pugh

A former tight end for the University of Wisconsin football team who left the sport in 2023 to prioritize his mental health.

University of Wisconsin

The school where Pugh played football and earned his degree in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“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. In no way was football the root of these problems, but everything in my life had distracted me for so long to the point I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole.”

— Jack Pugh

The takeaway

Pugh's story is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially for student-athletes who face immense pressure and demands. His decision to step away from football to focus on his well-being was courageous, and his passing underscores the need for greater mental health resources and support for young people in high-stress environments.