In his first public comments since his son died, former Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support toward his family.
Poppinga’s 17-year-old son, Julius, died Wednesday after suffering a severe asthma attack last week, causing him to be hospitalized.
While in the hospital, Julius suffered a collapsed lung that he did not recover from.
After the news was confirmed in a social media post by Julius’ sister, Jasmine, the family has received condolences across social media.
“I would like to thank EVERYONE for their unbelievably beautiful, sweet and loving compassion sent our way,” Brady Poppinga, 43, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Julius is a special soul who has touched so many lives. He is missed, but we KNOW that through the Savior, we will see him and be with him again. #famliesareforever.”
While replying to a post from Liz Darger, a senior associate athletic director at BYU, Poppinga’s alma mater, he added: “Julius is on another level. It’s going to take me a while to catch him.”
Former teammates have also sent their well wishes, including former Packer Will Blackmon and former Jet and Patriot Matt Chatham.
“Love you @BradyPoppinga. Sending love to you and your family,” Blackmon wrote on X.
“I realize that mine is a mainly northeast & IA/SD audience, but for those who recall the good ol’ days of @FBbyFB, please send our friend @BradyPoppinga & his family right to the top of your prayer list,” Chatham wrote on X.
