The news of Jared Lorenzen's passing truly touched many people. He was a familiar face in the world of football, someone who made a real impression on fans and teammates alike. His family shared the sad news, letting everyone know that he had left us after a period of dealing with health challenges. It was a moment that made many pause and think about the impact he had during his time with us, both on and off the field.
For those who followed his path, it was clear that Jared was more than just a player; he was a personality, a person who connected with others. His story, in a way, feels like a mix of athletic talent and personal challenges, something many could relate to. He was known for his unique style of play and, you know, for just being himself, which resonated with quite a few folks.
His passing, which happened on July 3, 2019, at the age of 38, came after he had been facing some serious health concerns. His mother, Janet Hermes, confirmed the news through a statement to Kentucky Sports Radio, letting the public know about the loss. It was a sad day for many who had watched him play and cheered him on, whether it was during his college days or his time in the professional ranks, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- A Look Back at Jared Lorenzen's Story
- What Was Jared Lorenzen's Role with the Giants?
- The Health Struggles Jared Lorenzen Faced
- How is Jared Lorenzen Remembered by Fans and Teams?
- Did Jared Lorenzen Play a Key Part in Any Big Games?
- Is Jared Lorenzen in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
A Look Back at Jared Lorenzen's Story
Jared Lorenzen was, by all accounts, an American football quarterback who spent time with the New York Giants and also the Indianapolis Colts. His journey in football began well before his professional days, making quite a name for himself during his college years. He was a true standout at the University of Kentucky, playing for the Wildcats from 2000 to 2003, and, you know, really leaving his mark there.
During his time at Kentucky, Jared set some impressive school records. He gathered the most passing yards in the school's entire history, reaching a total of 10,354 yards. He also threw for 78 touchdowns, against 41 interceptions, showing a real knack for moving the ball down the field. He was, in a way, a college football star and a definite favorite among the fans who watched him play, which is quite something.
His college success led him to sign with the New York Giants as a free agent. He joined the team and became a backup to Eli Manning, a role he held for a bit. He was a part of the Giants team that achieved a significant victory, winning a Super Bowl. This was a pretty big deal for him and for the team, as a matter of fact.
Personal Details - Jared Lorenzen
| Full Name | Jared Lorenzen |
| Date of Passing | July 3, 2019 |
| Age at Passing | 38 |
| Playing Weight (Giants) | 285 lbs (129 kg) |
| College Team | University of Kentucky (2000-2003) |
| NFL Teams | New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 (with New York Giants) |
| College Records | Most passing yards (10,354), 78 touchdowns |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | UK Athletics Hall of Fame (2015), KHSAA Hall of Fame (2023) |
What Was Jared Lorenzen's Role with the Giants?
When Jared Lorenzen joined the New York Giants, his position was as a backup quarterback, mostly behind Eli Manning. He was part of the team for a few seasons, and, you know, he did get some playing time. He made appearances in two games during the 2006 season and then in two more games in the 2007 season. These were his chances to be on the field during official matches, which is pretty cool.
Despite not being a regular starter, Jared was a part of a truly memorable moment in the team's history. He was on the Giants team that managed to defeat the New England Patriots in a big game, securing a Super Bowl win. This meant he earned a championship ring, a significant achievement for any player in the sport. It's almost like, even without a lot of game time, he contributed to something special.
The Giants eventually released Jared Lorenzen in June of 2008. After his time with the Giants, he also had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts. So, while his time on the field might have been limited, his presence on those teams, especially the Super Bowl-winning Giants, is a part of his story, as a matter of fact.
The Health Struggles Jared Lorenzen Faced
Jared Lorenzen's life, especially after his playing days, included a very public battle with his weight. He was well-known for facing these personal challenges, and, you know, he even took steps to address them. He started something called the "Jared Lorenzen Project," which was a way for him to document his efforts to lose weight. This project showed his determination to tackle a very personal issue, which many people could relate to, in a way.
At one point, his weight reached as much as 500 pounds, which is a significant amount and certainly presented serious health concerns. His decision to share his journey was quite open and honest, allowing others to see the difficulties and progress he made. It was a very real look at a personal struggle, which, you know, is not always easy to put out there for everyone to see.
Sadly, Jared's health issues grew more serious in the period leading up to his passing. He was dealing with a combination of kidney problems, heart issues, and an infection. These conditions became quite severe, leading to his hospitalization. He was admitted to intensive care at a hospital and began receiving treatment immediately, as a matter of fact.
His passing on July 3, 2019, was a direct result of these ongoing health battles. The heart and kidney failure, caused by an infection, ultimately took his life at the young age of 38. It was a very sad end to a life that had seen both athletic highs and very personal struggles with well-being. The news of his hospitalization just days before, and then his passing, brought a lot of sadness to those who followed his story.
How is Jared Lorenzen Remembered by Fans and Teams?
Jared Lorenzen is remembered by many as a truly gifted quarterback, especially during his time at the University of Kentucky. He had a way of playing that made him a fan favorite, and, you know, he was often called the "Hefty Lefty" due to his size and his left-handed throwing style. This nickname stuck with him and became a part of how people thought of him, which is pretty unique.
His impact at Kentucky was so significant that he was honored with induction into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. This recognition from his college alma mater shows just how much he meant to the program and its supporters. Then, in 2023, he was also chosen for the KHSAA Hall of Fame, further solidifying his place in the history of the sport in Kentucky, as a matter of fact.
When the news of his passing came out, there was a wave of sadness and tributes. The University of Kentucky, for instance, confirmed his death in a message they shared, expressing their sorrow. Mitch Barnhart, the athletic director at Kentucky, put out a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing. These kinds of reactions show the lasting connection he had with the university and its community, you know.
His family also put out a statement, which was shared by Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio, confirming the sad news. A family friend also shared the information with a local sports director. All of this points to how much he was cared for and how his memory is held dear by many people, both those who knew him personally and those who simply admired his spirit on the field.
Did Jared Lorenzen Play a Key Part in Any Big Games?
While Jared Lorenzen was a backup quarterback for the Giants, his actual game time was limited. He threw just eight passes during his entire career with the Giants. However, despite this small number, he was still connected to a very big moment for the team. The information suggests he had a role in one of the most significant plays in the franchise's history, which is quite interesting, you know.
It's important to remember that being a part of a team, especially one that achieves something like a Super Bowl victory, means every player has a part to play, whether they are on the field for every snap or not. His presence on the roster, his contributions in practice, and his role as a supportive teammate are all aspects of being part of a successful group. So, even with those few passes, his connection to that big play makes him a part of that memorable story, as a matter of fact.
The University of Kentucky, his college team, also made plans to honor him. On a specific Saturday, when the Arkansas Razorbacks football team was set to visit Kentucky for the first time since 2008, the Wildcats planned to recognize their "great" Jared Lorenzen. This shows that his impact went beyond just the professional level; he was a legend in his college town, too, it's almost.
Is Jared Lorenzen in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
A question that sometimes comes up is whether Jared Lorenzen has been chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Based on the information available, Jared Lorenzen has not been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a very select group of players, and while he had a memorable career, particularly in college, and was a part of a Super Bowl-winning team, he has not received that particular honor, you know.
However, it's important to distinguish this from other recognitions he did receive. As mentioned earlier, he was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, which is a significant achievement for a college player. He also made it into the KHSAA Hall of Fame in 2023, which is another testament to his impact at the high school level and beyond in Kentucky. So, while the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not a part of his story, other halls of fame certainly are, as a matter of fact.
His legacy, in a way, seems to be more about the personal connections he made, his unique playing style, and his very public battle with health issues. Jeremy Schaap, for instance, reflected on Jared Lorenzen's life and what he left behind after his passing. This suggests that his story is remembered for many different reasons, not just for the typical statistics or professional accolades, which is quite true.
Jared Lorenzen's life story is one that many people recall for different reasons. From his record-setting college days at the University of Kentucky, where he was a true star and a fan favorite, to his time as a backup quarterback for the New York Giants, including a Super Bowl victory, his path was certainly unique. His well-known struggle with his weight and the "Jared Lorenzen Project" he started showed a very human side to his journey. His passing in 2019, at the age of 38, after dealing with heart, kidney, and infection issues, brought a lot of sadness to those who remembered him. He remains a figure recognized in various halls of fame, particularly for his college achievements, and is often recalled as the "Hefty Lefty," a name that captured a bit of his spirit and playing style, you know.
