News

Ex-Cardinals, Chargers Safety Kwamie Lassiter Dies At 49 After Heart Attack; Tributes Pour In

Former NFL safety Kwamie Lassiter died Sunday at the age of 49.

Ex-NFL Star Kwamie Lassiter Dead

Lassiter played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1995 to 2002 and subsequently the then-San Diego Chargers in 2003. In 1998, he logged four interceptions in Arizona’s season-ending win that secured a playoff berth.

The safety’s official cause of death was not stated immediately, although Arizona Sports — the Cardinals’ flagship radio station — revealed Lassiter suffered a heart attack while working out.

“We were all devastated to learn of Kwamie’s passing today and our hearts go out to all of his family and friends,” Cardinals President Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “Kwamie came to the Cardinals, as an undrafted rookie free agent. He not only became a key contributor to our team for eight seasons but continued to make an impact on this community after his playing days ended. He will be missed greatly.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Lassiter retired with the then-St. Louis Rams in 2004. He played college football at Kansas, and signed with Arizona as an undrafted free agent in 1995.

Dozens of tributes to Lassiter quickly began appearing on social media Sunday and Monday. He was clearly beloved by many people in the football community.

 

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Grizzlies Fire Taylor Jenkins, Franchise’s Winningest Coach

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Friday that they have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the…

7 hours ago

Juan Soto Strikes Out During First Game With Mets, But $765M Man Remains Unfazed

The New York Mets lost their first game of the 2025 season to the Houston…

9 hours ago

Michigan Basketball’s Season Continues, But Scottie Pippen’s Son, Justin Pippin, Is Already Moving On

The Michigan Wolverines punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 round of men's March Madness…

1 day ago

Tom Brady Reveals ‘Natural Tension’ With Bill Belichick Led To Departure From Patriots

There has been no shortage of thinkpieces regarding future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady's…

1 day ago

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Finally Improving After Losing 20 Pounds In Two Weeks

No Los Angeles Dodger has received more press in the past couple of weeks than…

2 days ago

Russell Wilson Signs One-Year, $10.5M Deal with Giants, Poised to Lead New QB Room

The New York Giants have their new starting quarterback. Russell Wilson is signing a one-year,…

2 days ago