Jack Pugh, a former tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers football team who stepped away from the sport three years ago to focus on his mental health, has died at the age of 24, the university announced Tuesday night.
“The Wisconsin Athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh,” the program said in a statement shared on its football team’s X account. “Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff. Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.”
The university did not release details about the cause of death.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Pugh joined Wisconsin in 2021 and redshirted his first season before appearing in one game in 2022, a year in which he also earned Academic All–Big Ten honors.
In December 2023, Pugh revealed in an Instagram post that he had medically retired from football before the start of that season, citing the toll of long-term depression and struggles with substance abuse.
“My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up,” Pugh wrote. “Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness.”
He expressed gratitude toward Wisconsin’s coaches, teammates, and staff for supporting his journey toward recovery and faith, writing that he had finally found a life he was proud of.
Pugh is remembered by teammates and fans alike as a kind, resilient, and uplifting presence within the Badgers football community.
His passing underscores his legacy not only as an athlete but also as an advocate for mental health awareness within college sports.
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