The Indianapolis Colts family is grieving on Thursday on behalf of a player they only just welcomed through the doors of their facility.
Former Texas Longhorns QB Sam Ehlinger rushed home from Indianapolis’ rookie camp on Thursday after news broke that his younger brother Jake, a linebacker at UT, was found dead off campus.
No cause was released, and the death has also not been deemed suspicious at this time, though the discovery of the younger Ehlinger occurred at 12:18 PM following a call to the police.
Needless to say, it may be a while before the team’s sixth-rounder returns.
This is Sam Ehlinger’s younger brother. He has returned to Austin from rookie camp in Indy. Devastating news. https://t.co/o26bc8ifuM
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 6, 2021
Indianapolis Colts rookie QB Sam Ehlinger left camp today to deal with his brother’s death.
As recently as Saturday, Jake had gained notoriety for accidentally being shown on the ESPN Draft broadcast in his brother’s place, a mistake Sam laughed off on camera.
The older Ehlinger spent four years as the quarterback for the University of Texas, racking up over 3,000 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons and becoming known for his intangibles and dedication to the university. The selection netted the Colts an additional locker room asset, as well as a developmental QB prospect who appeared ready to soak up the knowledge of veteran Carson Wentz.
Expect many more well-wishes from the tight-knit Indianapolis Colts family in the hours to come — even LB Malik Jefferson, only signed by Indy on Wednesday, quickly reacted to the tragic news on Twitter.
Man Ehlinger family is in my prayers.
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) May 6, 2021
This is, of course, no time to worry about a stunted offseason or any sort of impact on Ehlinger’s pro career. This is a sudden introduction to a very tragic time, and we now have on our hands a young man who’s going to have to help put his family’s pieces back together.
Wherever the Ehlingers need help from other members of the Colts family, however, you can be quite sure their needs will be met.
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