In a heartbreaking announcement, the family of former New England Patriots safety, Malik Gant, has shared that he was tragically found dead in Miami. The distressing news came merely four days before he would have celebrated his 26th birthday.
"As a family, we're grappling with the unbearable pain of losing Malik, our cherished family member, on May 25, 2023, in Miami, Florida," read the statement from his loved ones. "Malik's memory will forever resonate within us; his endearing qualities - his generosity, compelling charm, and unwavering spirit - made him an extraordinary individual. To us, he was an adored son, a beloved brother, a doting grandson, a valued teammate, and a loyal friend who impacted numerous lives."
A towering figure in football, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound Gant had an impressive tenure at Marshall as a defensive back. Across his last two seasons with the Thundering Herd, he logged 195 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Gant's professional journey began in 2019 when he joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He displayed his skills in three preseason games but unfortunately sustained a severe injury in the final exhibition match, leading to his placement on the injured reserve list. Eventually, the Patriots released him in 2020.
However, Gant's ties with the New England team were not completely severed. He was re-signed by the Patriots just over a year later, but the reunion was short-lived, as he was waived before the commencement of the 2021 season.
