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Hilliard Today
By the People, for the People
Former Wisconsin Badgers Tight End Jack Pugh Dies at 24
The university announced the passing of the former college football player, who had stepped away from the game to focus on his mental health.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:05pm
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Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team, has passed away at the age of 24. The university announced Pugh's death on social media, stating that he was a 'positive light' and 'loved by his teammates and staff.' Pugh had previously stepped away from football to prioritize his mental health after struggling with depression and substance abuse.
Why it matters
The tragic passing of a young college athlete highlights the importance of mental health support and resources for student-athletes, who often face immense pressure and challenges both on and off the field. Pugh's story serves as a reminder that even successful athletes can struggle with their mental well-being, and that open conversations around these issues are crucial.
The details
Pugh, an Ohio native, initially did not play football in his first two years of high school at Hilliard Bradley High School, but later became a four-star recruit and the 12th-ranked tight end in the nation. He redshirted his first season at Wisconsin in 2021 and then suited up for one game in 2022 before ultimately deciding to step away from the sport to focus on his mental health, citing 'years of prolonged depression and substance abuse.'
- Pugh passed away on March 31, 2026.
- Pugh had stepped away from football in 2022 to prioritize his mental health.
The players
Jack Pugh
A former tight end for the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team who passed away at the age of 24.
University of Wisconsin
The college that Pugh played football for, which announced his passing on social media.
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 a 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. 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, Former Wisconsin Badgers Tight End
The takeaway
The tragic passing of Jack Pugh at just 24 years old underscores the critical need for greater mental health support and resources for student-athletes, who often face immense pressure and challenges both on and off the field. Pugh's story serves as a poignant reminder that even successful athletes can struggle with their mental well-being, and that open conversations around these issues are crucial to helping young people prioritize their overall health and find happiness.
