Man, this one hits hard. PJ Blue, former linebacker for the Louisville Cardinals, passed away at just 27, and the news dropped like a ton of bricks. This guy was highly touted straight out of high school in Alabama—talk about a resume. He was an All-Metro Team, First-Team All-State, Under Armour All-American, and Army All-American. That’s a lineup that screams “future star.”
Blue’s journey had some serious ups and downs. He committed to Louisville way back when and had the kind of high hopes you usually only see in underdog sports movies. But right before he could lace up for his college debut, a torn ACL threw a wrench in his plans. Ouch.
In 2018, he finally hit the field and made a bit of noise—39 tackles in 11 games isn’t shabby at all. Then, as if fate wasn’t already being a jerk, a knee injury robbed him of the 2019 season, and he didn’t play after that.
The coaches loved him. I mean, listen to then-defensive coordinator Todd Grantham—he was hyped about Blue. He talked about Blue’s size, speed, and defensive skills like he was describing the perfect Madden character. “Bright future,” he said. But life, man. Unpredictable as ever.
PJ’s passing really echoed through the college football community. Social media lit up with tributes from fans and teammates, all sharing love and memories of the guy who was supposed to be their next hero in a Louisville jersey. The school made sure to send love to his family, calling him “Cardinal Forever.”
No cause of death was announced. And while we’re left in the dark on the details, it doesn’t change how sad it is.
Rest easy, PJ. The gridiron’s lighter without you.
