Jack Pugh, ex-Wisconsin tight end, dies at 24

The University of Wisconsin announced Tuesday that former football player Jack Pugh has died at age 24. Pugh left the Badgers program amid mental health struggles. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Pugh, an Ohio native, played tight end for Wisconsin from 2021 to 2022. He redshirted his freshman year and made his debut against Minnesota the following season. In December 2023, he announced his medical retirement from football, citing mental health issues including prolonged depression and substance abuse.

"My physical health wasn’t near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up," Pugh wrote on Instagram at the time. He explained that football was not the root of his problems but had distracted him from prioritizing his well-being. Pugh earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025.

The Wisconsin Athletics Department issued a statement expressing sorrow: "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." New York Jets running back Braelon Allen, a former Badgers teammate, posted on X: "Protect your mental."