Louis Nix III, who played football for the New York Giants as well as the University of Notre Dame, was found dead this weekend. He was 29 years-old.

Nix had been reported missing earlier this week, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday that they had “located” him. Notre Dame confirmed on Sunday morning that he had died.

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“We are saddened by the loss of one of our own, Louis Nix III. We send our deepest condolences and love to his family, friends and football brotherhood,” the university said in a statement. “Forever in our hearts, Big Lou.”

We are saddened by the loss of one of our own, Louis Nix III. We send our deepest condolences and love to his family, friends and football brotherhood.

Forever in our hearts, Big Lou. ☘️https://t.co/0BASrBU77z pic.twitter.com/NVKQZeOW1t

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) February 28, 2021

Head Coach Brian Kelly spoke out to pay tribute to Nix as well.

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“Louis Nix, ‘Irish Chocolate,’ we carry these memories until we see you again,” he wrote alongside a tribute video to the former football star.

Louis Nix, “Irish Chocolate,” we carry these memories until we see you again 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ndTZ9DeaQP

— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) February 28, 2021

“Devastating. Rest In Peace, Big Lou. Always wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face. Glad I got to share some unforgettable moments with you. You will be greatly missed,” tweeted former teammate Romeo Okwara, who currently plays for the Detroit Lions.

Devastating. Rest In Peace, Big Lou. Always wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face. Glad I got to share some unforgettable moments with you. You will be greatly missed☘️ 🐢 pic.twitter.com/OI6ECURdSL

— Romeo Okwara (@RomeoND45) February 28, 2021

Nix’s mother, who also confirmed her son’s death, told Action News Jax that she had not spoken with him since Tuesday. She said that this was “out of the norm for him.”

“I want nobody to be in my shoes, I’m not saying something has happened to my son, prayerfully, I hope it has not, but just not knowing, you know, your kids is your kids,” she said before his death was confirmed.

Nix’s mother added that he was still recovering from being shot in an armed robbery two months ago. After he was shot, Nix wrote on Twitter that “the bullet that hit me ricocheted off my sternum into my lung,” adding that he would be undergoing surgery.

Nix didn’t play a single game as a freshman at Notre Dame, but he had a breakout sophomore year. After college, Nix was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2014. Nix played with various teams during the three years he spent in the NFL, including the Texans, the Giants and the Washington Football Team before ending his pro career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, according to People Magazine.

This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.

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