NFL rookie dead at 23
From correspondents in San Francisco
August 22, 2005
MEDICAL examiners continue to seek a reason behind the death of San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Thomas Herrion even as teammates, coaches, family and friends mourned his death at age 23.
Herrion, an NFL rookie, collapsed in the locker room during a post-game team prayer session following a 26-21 loss at Denver in a pre-season American football exhibition game yesterday (AEST).
"It's a sad time for everyone in the 49ers organisation," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said.
"Right now, we're looking for ways to help our players and coaches cope with this tragedy."
Herrion was immediately treated by team physicians, medical staff and paramedics.
He was given cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and transported to St Anthony's Central Hospital, where he died three hours later.
No cause of death has been announced. A preliminary medical examination was inconclusive.
"The results are still pending so we don't have any medical answers for you at this time," Nolan said.
A memorial service for the team to honour Herrion is scheduled for tomorrow. Janice Herrion told television station WFAA: "We were real proud of Thomas. He was a real joy. He lit up a room when he walked in. People had nothing but praise for him. He was a gift, a real gift."
Herrion had been on the field for the 49ers' 14-play, 91-yard drive that ended with Cody Pickett's 23-yard touchdown run with two seconds remaining in the National Football League match-up.
Nolan said Herrion shook hands with opponents after the game, talked with spectators as he walked off the field and joked with the club nutritionist.
Minutes later came his locker room collapse, which took place during Herrion was on one knee and holding hands with teammates while in prayer.
Nolan learned of Herrion's death only as the team was departing the area.
He gathered team members at the airport to tell them Herrion had died. Nolan also spoke to family members Saturday night and Sunday.
The 49ers will not conduct typical workouts for the next couple of days as they try to cope with Herrion's death. But Nolan said he things getting back to work for the upcoming season will help teammates and coaches deal with grief.
"Football will take a background," Nolan said. "I think being on the field is therapeutic, but not right away."
Nolan recalled a team meeting where a player was called upon to sing his collegiate fight song and Herrion, from the same college, leaped out of his seat and joined in, bringing smiles to all.
"I respected his play and work ethic. I always saw he had leadership qualities," Nolan said. "To see a player come out of his shell like that, it was kind of warming."
Herrion, who was a 1.91m guard weighing in at 141kg, was in his first year with San Francisco but had earlier played at the University of Utah and spent part of last season on the 49ers and Dallas practice squads.
He also played this year with the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe.
"We are deeply saddened," said Urban Meyer, Herrion's former Utah college coach who now guides the University of Florida. "He was an outstanding, quality young man.
"Elected as a captain by his teammates, he was loved, respected and admired by all of us." New York Jets rookie defensive tackle Sione Pouha, a college teammate of Herrion, was shocked by the passing of "Big Tex". "We were very close," Pouha said. "It affects everyone who came in contact with him, whether directly or indirectly. He was a guy you remember. You feel it."
