Former Florida Gators and Oakland Raiders linebacker Neiron Ball has passed away due to complications from arteriovenous malformation. He was 27.
The standout linebacker prospect from the Gators was drafted by the Raiders in 2015. He suffered from a congenital condition that caused blood vessels in his brain to tangle and rupture. In 2018, an aneurysm put him in a medically induced coma. In July, Ball's family revealed that his condition had left him a quadriplegic.
An article in The Athletic written last month shed light on Ball's struggle and pointed readers toward a fundraiser to help with the massive costs of Ball's care. In a statement announcing Ball's death, the player's sister thanked all of the people who helped support him.
"The Ball family is forever grateful for the prayers, donations, and immense support of Neiron and his recovery," Natalie Ball Myricks wrote. "Neiron was a very special and loving father, brother, and teammate. Neiron has transitioned to a place of peace."
Fans and friends have gathered on Twitter to pay their respects to the late linebacker.
The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Neiron Ball. He will be dearly missed by the entire Raider Nation and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. https://t.co/RVnhWEsSjz pic.twitter.com/ZtMlmzSrsU
