By Devon Forward, Parade
Devon Wylie, who briefly played as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs after getting drafted in 2012, has passed away. He was 35.
Wylie’s sister, Dene Ogles, shared a statement with HuffPost from the family confirming the news. It said, “Words cannot describe the heartache we all feel as a result of Devon’s passing. Devon was a devoted son, grandson, brother, uncle, teammate and friend. He touched so many lives as a result of his love for the Lord and his special talents on and off the field.”
Ogles shared that they are waiting for an autopsy report and there is no cause of death yet, asking “for privacy surrounding the matter.”
ABC 30 in Fresno reported that a family member announced Wylie’s death on social media, while former teammates also confirmed the news to the publication.
California State University in Fresno, where Wylie played before being drafted, honored the late football player on X, writing, “Forever a Bulldog. Our thoughts are with the Wylie family during this difficult time.”
Forever a Bulldog.
Our thoughts are with the Wylie family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/DxsPuonou0
— Fresno State Football 🏆 (@FresnoStateFB) November 14, 2023
Wylie played six regular-season games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, with six catches for 53 yards, while also serving as a kickoff and punt returner. He was released in the fall of 2013, signing with the Tennessee Titans soon after. Wylie played two games with the team before he they released him.
Wylie jumped around various NFL practice squads over the years before playing with the Toronto Argonauts for almost two seasons in 2016 and 2017.
Along with his sports career, Wylie was a talented musician. Painter Krystal Dyer shared a tribute to the 35-year-old on Facebook after learning of his death.
Dyer shared a video of Wylie playing guitar and singing, writing, “😢 It’s with a very heavy heart that I let you know that we lost one of our musicians in our San Diego community. Devon Wylie, guitar player and singer that frequented The Local PB open mic and 710 Beach Club open mic, amongst other locations, has passed away…Thank You Devon, for playing for us time and time again. You are already missed.”
No other details about Wylie’s death are known at this time.