The Utah football family and college football fans across the country are mourning the loss of Utah star running back Ty Jordan.
According to the University of Utah athletic department, Jordan — the Pac-12’s Freshman Offensive Player of the Year — died early Saturday morning due to an accidental gunshot wound he sustained Friday evening.
“Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. “Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”
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“We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan’s passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly, including the young men in our football program,” said Utah Athletic Director Mark Harlan. “Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our Utah Football family in this extremely difficult time.”
In just five games this season, Jordan finished with 597 rushing yards (119 yards per game), and six touchdowns. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry, had 723 all-purpose yards and had three-straight 100+ yard rushing games to end the season.
Here’s how teammates, coaches and fans reacted to the news of Jordan’s passing.
Ty Jordan lost his mother earlier this year. Ty told me he wanted to make her proud with his play on the field. Mission accomplished young man. I’m just sad that we won’t get to see more of you. Rest In Peace #22. #Utes
— Bill Riley (@espn700bill) December 26, 2020
At a loss for words right now? Absolutely devastated. You made your mom proud!✊ Sometimes the “family on 3” chant sounds repetitive, but it’s real and the whole state/country feels it today. Please pray for the Jordan family, it’s been a tough year for them. Love you Ty #LLTJ pic.twitter.com/lcAknvR42x
— Britain Covey (@brit_covey2) December 26, 2020
Man this is so wild!!! I didn’t know him but I did know He had an amazing season as a freshman!! And was going to be an amazing talent Rest In Peace Ty Jordan man! This is crazy!! ?????? https://t.co/t5T9wopaOb
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 26, 2020
LLTJ ?
Ute legend. pic.twitter.com/fXaRWcb8LL
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
This cut deep. Love you always brotha. pic.twitter.com/gyHKOP7sOV
— Clark Phillips lll (@ClarkPhillips21) December 26, 2020
My favorite play this football season, college and pro. #LLTJ pic.twitter.com/2mCkAIP4mS
— Dom Lewis (@Dommy_Digital) December 26, 2020
My favorite Ty Jordan touchdown. I’ll have this on loop for a while. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/OPRy392kxR
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) December 26, 2020
Ty Jordan was an emerging talent on an excellent Utah team. Gone far too soon. RIP to a young star and prayers for his family, friends, and teammates?
I think they should rename the PAC 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year the “Ty Jordan Award”
— Billy Beasley (@backbowlsbilly) December 26, 2020
After the game vs Washington, Ty came into the coaches locker room and apologized to Coach Whit, something I’ve never seen a player do in 12 years at Utah. He set his Utah legacy in the following 3 games. Rest easy Ty, your infectious spirit and attitude will never be forgotten. https://t.co/JSeIoeqFt4
— Vince Conti (@vincent_conti) December 26, 2020
RIP Ty Jordan. A Utah legend forever and always! https://t.co/ssLxI56yEk
— GoUtahUtes (@UtahUteFans) December 26, 2020
Most will see the player we see the person a team is a family. For some it’s about W’s and L’s. Stars and rankings for us it’s about people and making a difference. Today we lost one to the game of life and it hurts. We can make a difference . Don’t observe DO pic.twitter.com/f7vkOsvxEX
— Coach Guy Holliday (@eagle88me) December 26, 2020
Love you bro ?We was just about to take over #LLTY? https://t.co/1ixhjTIild
— Ja'Quinden Jackson (@JaayUpNext_) December 26, 2020
@_ylfotyt I got you brudda ima continue your legacy ??? #LLTY?
— Ja'Quinden Jackson (@JaayUpNext_) December 26, 2020
LLTY? We are all gonna miss you brotha..
— Jadon Redding (@jadonlr) December 26, 2020
Rest well Ty, honor watching you play. Uboyz forever.
— Hatty (@_HattyF) December 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Ty❤️ God bless his family? https://t.co/24HCgdiEEE
— Drew Lisk (@drewlisker) December 26, 2020
Ute Twitter fam…
You stood up for me this week by helping pay for my grandmas funeral services.
There’s still some money left over and I want to make sure it finds its way to the Jordan family.
If you see any fundraising efforts please send them my way and help how you can.
— Porter Larsen (@Larsen_ESPN) December 26, 2020
Heartbreaking. Watching him compete was a joy but hearing about the type of man he was from those who knew him is what I’ll recall most. Much, much love to his family, teammates, coaches and all who knew Ty Jordan. Gone far too soon. ❤️?? https://t.co/eMuh7shW25
— Yogi Roth (@YogiRoth) December 26, 2020
He had a million dollar smile & the game to go earn it.
While this isn't about football,that's how most of us were starting to get know him.
I loved watching him run but quickly noticed his infectious,radiant smile & the joy with which he carried himself.
R.I.P. Ty Jordan— Ute Believer (@UteBeliever) December 26, 2020
Our condolences go out to the loved ones of Ty Jordan and the entire Utah football family. R.I.P.
— Mario Cristobal (@coach_cristobal) December 26, 2020
I did not expect for my mom to cry when she talked to me. The impact that Ty has had. LLTY❤️
— Legend of Ty Jordan? (@1steamUte) December 26, 2020
— christian judd (@christianmjudd) December 26, 2020
2020 doesn’t know when to stop ?
RIP @_ylfotyt
— j ✌? (@thiz_justin) December 26, 2020
The news of Ty Jordan will hit ALL OF US like a ton of bricks.
In my 16 years I've never seen a freshman RB explode on the scene like him.
I've never had coaches rave about a player's discipline & dedication like this young man.
He was football perfection.
He'll be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/5D5oDtysYs— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) December 26, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to Ute Nation. Today we all Bleed Red. ????
Ofa Atu. ??
— Reno Mahe (@RenoMahe) December 26, 2020
I’m an avid BYU fan, but the loss of Ty Jordan is tragic for us all. He was part of the Utah family, whether he was wearing red or blue, and as a community, we can take a little bit of stress away from his family. Please donate if you can, any amount helpshttps://t.co/oG0qztEUWn
— Nick Bruce (@Nick88Bruce) December 26, 2020
Prayers are with the Jordan family. An amazing and fun kid to watch!! Saddened to hear this news. ??❤️
— Harvey Unga (@unga45) December 26, 2020
Rest in love Ty Jordan. Love the way he played the game of football. Fly high King ?
— Isaiah Kaufusi (@isaiah_kaufusi) December 26, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ty's friends and family and @Utah_Football.
Rest in Peace Ty. https://t.co/cL38V5Yw3s
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 26, 2020
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