Former Patriots, Boston College Defensive Lineman Ron Brace Dead At 29
BOSTON (CBS) -- Ron Brace, a former defensive tackle for Boston College and the New England Patriots, has died at the age of 29.
The Patriots released the following statement on Brace on Sunday evening:
"We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace's death. Seven years ago tomorrow (4/25/09), 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."
The news comes via several social media posts from relatives and former teammates of Brace. Former Patriots running back Shane Vereen took to Instagram to honor his former NFL teammate, as did current Patriots safety Devin McCourty:
Boston College running backs coach Al Washington, a college teammate of Brace's, posted a message on Twitter:
"Just got a call that God has called one of my brothers home with him. Ron Brace was one of us, he was a goodfella and this definitely hurts. 2004 we all came into BC together and we'll always be connected. Prayers go out to the Brace family. Cherish each day God has given you on this earth because you never know when it's your last. Rest easy big guy," former Boston College running back A.J. Brooks posted to his Facebook page.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
Brace, a Springfield native, played at Burncoat High School in Worcester before having a standout career for the Boston College Eagles from 2005-08. He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round (40th overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft but struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career, playing in 39 games for New England over four seasons. He was signed by the Washington Redskins in 2013, but was cut prior to the season.
