The parents of Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey, who died by suicide at the age of 38, suspect he may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease, but acknowledge that the circumstances of his death prevent a definitive diagnosis.

"We believe that he possibly suffered from CTE," said Jordan's mother, Leslie Devey, in an interview with Salt Lake City's Fox 13. While not solely blaming football for the tragedy, Leslie Devey stated, "she feels the game is 'partly why he's not with us any longer.'"

CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously. However, due to the condition of Devey's death, his parents, Leslie and Kerry Devey, are unable to have him tested for the disease. "Because of the condition of what happened with his death,' Jordan's father, Kerry, told Fox 13, 'we're not going to be able to test for that and have a definitive answer.'"

Jordan Devey, who made 44 NFL appearances during his career, passed away in July. His wife, Lindsey, shared the news on Instagram, posting a tribute on what would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. She wrote, "We have filled the walls of our homes and hearts with countless memories, joys, struggles, and triumphs. We brought 4 beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion. You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence."

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Devey's wife and their four children, citing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges, including medical expenses.

Devey's parents expressed their ongoing "what-ifs" regarding their son's NFL career and his struggles with mental health. "What if we'd have done something differently?" Kerry Devey asked rhetorically. "What if we could've seen these signs?"

Leslie Devey emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and encouraged those struggling to seek help. "We want people to understand that it's okay to reach out,' she said. 'That help is there - and there's nothing wrong with you for reaching out. You're not fighting the battle alone.'

Devey, who played for teams including the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills, retired from the NFL in 2021. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Eagle High School in Idaho, where he was remembered as a devoted mentor.

A Harvard study published in January indicated that the suicide rate among former NFL players has increased compared to those from the NBA and Major League Baseball. The study, which tracked deaths over a 40-year period, found that the suicide rate for ex-NFL players was 2.6 times higher than for ex-NBA and MLB players between 2011 and 2019. Researchers noted that this period coincided with increased public awareness of CTE and high-profile suicides among NFL players. The study cautioned that multiple factors likely contribute to this trend, including potential changes in how suicides are classified and the "copycat" or contagion effect.

Both the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have encouraged former players to seek help for symptoms that may lead to suicidal thoughts. In the U.S., the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988, with an online chat option at 988lifeline.org.