Former Wisconsin Tight End Jack Pugh Dies

Pugh cited mental health struggles when he retired from football in 2023.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:25pm

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Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the University of Wisconsin football team, has passed away. Pugh retired from football in 2023 due to mental health reasons after playing for the Badgers for three seasons. The university announced his death on Tuesday, expressing deep sadness over the loss of a positive, caring teammate and student who earned his degree in 2025.

Why it matters

Pugh's decision to prioritize his mental health and step away from football at a young age sparked important conversations about the challenges student-athletes face. His passing is a tragic reminder of the ongoing need to provide robust mental health support and resources for college athletes.

The details

Pugh was a four-star recruit from Hilliard, Ohio who joined the Wisconsin football program in 2021. He redshirted his first year, appeared in one game in 2022, and then announced his retirement from the sport in 2023, citing prolonged depression and substance abuse issues that had distracted him for years. Pugh said he wanted to 'find happiness' and create a better life for himself.

  • Pugh joined the Wisconsin football team in January 2021.
  • He redshirted in 2021 and appeared in one game in 2022.
  • Pugh announced his retirement from football in 2023.
  • Pugh earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2025.
  • The university announced Pugh's passing on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Jack Pugh

A former tight end for the University of Wisconsin football team who retired in 2023 due to mental health struggles and later passed away in 2026.

University of Wisconsin

The college where Pugh played football and earned his degree before his passing.

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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 didn't want to be alive for years.”

— Jack Pugh

The takeaway

Pugh's tragic passing underscores the ongoing mental health challenges faced by student-athletes and the critical need for colleges to provide robust support systems and resources to help them prioritize their wellbeing. His story serves as a poignant reminder that even elite athletes can struggle with depression and substance abuse, and that seeking help should never be stigmatized.