Credit: University of Wisconsin
NEED TO KNOW
- The cause of death for former college football player Jack Pugh, who left the sport in 2023 to focus on his mental health, was confirmed in a coroner’s report on Aug. 18
- The University of Wisconsin confirmed Pugh’s death on March 31
- Pugh played tight end of the Wisconsin Badgers from 2021-2023
A cause of death has been revealed for Jack Pugh, a former college football player who quit the sport for his mental health.
According to a report from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office and obtained by PEOPLE on Tuesday, Aug. 18, Pugh died of acute bronchopneumonia, a bacterial or viral lung infection that causes inflammation in the airways, according to Medical News Today. His infection was a consequence of cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, and Pugh also had hepatosplenomegaly, an enlarged liver and spleen, at the time of his death.
Pugh died on March 30, according to the coroner’s report.
The University of Wisconsin confirmed his death on Tuesday, March 31. Pugh played tight end for the Badgers from 2021-2023 before retiring for his mental health, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
“The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh,” the school said in a statement.
“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.”
Our thoughts are with Jack’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nvMTNoAMiQ
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 1, 2026
Pugh announced his retirement from the sport in 2023, to “finally find happiness.”
“My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up,” he wrote in a post at the time, adding, “Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness.”
He continued, “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. I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole.”
Pugh concluded his retirement announcement by thanking the people who have supported him. “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 struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Read the original article on People