Former Michigan Wolverines football player Obi Eze has died at the age of 36, his mother and school announced.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Wolverine linebacker Obi Eze,” University of Michigan football said on X/Twitter. “My prayers go out to his family, friends and former teammates. I wish him all the best.”
The exact details of Eze's death have not been made public.
His mother paid tribute to her son after his death.
“It’s all mine!” My Obi. My #2. my heart. Father's heart. my silent giant. Grandson of an elephant. In a Facebook post, Eze's mother said: “May you journey well to your Creator. My Obinna Eze, you are always in my heart, my beloved. 's son,' he said.
Eze spent five seasons with the Wolverines, redshirting and appearing in 13 games, including 10 starts in his second year.
The following year was arguably Eze's best year as a collegiate player, making a team-best 98 stops in 12 games as a middle linebacker and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from coaches and media.
As a redshirt junior, Eze recorded 69 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two breakups and one fumble recovery and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
During his career at Michigan, Eze appeared in 49 games and recorded 293 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions.
The University of Michigan went 35-28 during the program's time under head coaches Lloyd Carr and Rich Rodriguez.
He signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent, but was released a few weeks after signing.
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