Ex-Patriots DT Ron Brace Dies At 29

Former New England Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace, a 2009 second-round draft pick out of Boston College, died at the age of 29 on Saturday.

Ex-Patriots DT Ron Brace Dies At 29

Brace’s death was confirmed by the Springfield (Massachusetts) Police Department, which stated an investigation is ongoing.

The cause of death is still unknown but not suspicious, Springfield Police Captain Robert Strzempek told MassLive.com.

“We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace’s death,” the Patriots said in a statement. “Seven years ago tomorrow, we drafted Ron after his standout career at Boston College. During his Patriots career, the Springfield native was always eager to volunteer and give back in our communities, especially when those community initiatives were held in Western Mass. It is difficult to believe that someone so young and in the prime of his life is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron’s family, friends and the many former teammates who will mourn Ron’s passing.”

Boston College special teams coordinator/defensive line coach Al Washington, who played on the Eagles’ defensive line with Brace, said on Twitter earlier Sunday that he had talked to Brace just two weeks ago to discuss coaching with his former teammate.

“Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am at the loss of my teammate, my friend and my brother Ron Brace. Just two weeks ago we connected when you expressed an interest in becoming a coach. It pains me to think about all the lives you would have impacted and changed for the better. A wise person once told me that when God calls a person Home early it’s because he successfully completed his homework here on earth; he now can go home and rest with the Lord. Ron, in a short span of time you have conquered more than most ever will in their entire life. You will live on through your family members and your BC brothers and sisters. Please believe that the ’16 BC DL will make you proud! May God bless your soul and the lives of your family. It is now time to Rest easy with the Lord Big Baby! Love you.”

The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Brace, a Springfield native, played in 39 games (seven starts) for the Patriots from 2009 to 2012. He signed with the Washington Redskins in February 2013, though the Redskins released him before the 2013 season began. In four seasons at Boston College, Brace recorded 85 tackles (including 22 for loss) and five sacks.

Several of Brace’s former Patriots teammates also expressed their condolences on Twitter:

FOXBOROUGH, MA – CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Ron Brace of the New England Patriots poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)