A University of Wisconsin cheerleader waves a school flag during a game in November (Dan Sanger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images file)
(Dan Sanger)
Jack Pugh, the former tight end at the University of Wisconsin who stepped away from football to focus on his mental health, has died, the school announced. He was 24.
The Badgers announced the death of Pugh, a former top prospect, in a statement Tuesday on social media.
“The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh. Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program,” the football team wrote.
“More than that, he cared about people and was loved by teammates and staff,” the statement said. “Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.”
Pugh’s cause of death was not announced. The University of Wisconsin did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Pugh signed with the Badgers in 2020 after having received offers from more than a dozen universities, including the Michigan and Penn, according to ESPN. He graduated from Hilliard Bradley High School near Columbus, Ohio, and played on the University of Wisconsin’s football team for the 2021-23 seasons.
He left the sport in 2023, posting a farewell message on Instagram that cited his mental health and substance abuse issues.
“My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up. Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness,” Pugh wrote, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“In no way was football the root of these problems, but everything in my life had distracted me for so long to the point I didn’t want to be alive for years,” he wrote.
“I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole. I want to thank the amazing Coaches, Teammates, Friends and Family @badgerfootball has provided me with over the years for helping me find a life I’m happy and proud of, and to finally create a relationship with God. I’ll never forget the memories. Love y’all.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.