It is with great sadness that American Football International has learned of the passing of Bryce Mansa Wilson after a short battle with the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Messages of shock and condolence have been pouring in from throughout the American football community.
The 6’2″, 290 pound, 31-year-old Wilson, from Atlanta, Georgia, who played his college football at Fort Valley State, was a veteran of international American football and most recently played for the Budapest Cowbells in the Hungarian Football League, helping them reach the HFL semifinals. He had spent several years playing in Brazil as well for the Porto Alegre Gorillas (2018), Itajaí Dockers (2018), Jaraguá Breakers (2016), and Criciúma Miners (2015).
The Cowbells wrote on their Facebook page:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryce Mansa Wilson, a former player, and a beloved member of the Cowbells family. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Bryce’s family and friends during this most difficult time. Rest in peace, Brother!”
Felipe Pereira was president of the Miners when Wilson played there:
“Bryce was a monster on the field but he was also a super nice guy off the field, like a big teddy bear. He will be missed.”
Darrell Lyn Tate, who has been helping Wilson with his football career since 2016 was stunned when he heard the news:
“To find out he passed yesterday just didn’t seem real. He was always an upbeat character and a big man. All of us in the Pro Hunt community are shocked. We are a close-knit family. Until yesterday’s news about Bryce, I had always been skeptical as to if the virus is really something for us “younger people” to worry about. You hear stories about it happening to others, and seeing them recover from it. However, it doesn’t hit you the same when one of your own loses their life from it. This virus is obviously something to be taken seriously and with every precaution necessary. “
Wilson’s family has set up a GoFundMe account for anyone to donate to help with funeral expenses.