Liberty Athletics mourns loss of former Flames, NFL player Jessie Lemonier

Liberty Athletics mourns the loss of former Flames football standout Jessie Lemonier, who passed away at the age of 25.

Lemonier helped Liberty make the transition from the FCS to the FBS level during his two seasons with the Flames (2018-19).

He capped off his career at Liberty by earning MVP honors in the 2019 Cure Bowl, helping the Flames secure their first-ever bowl game victory. The senior finished the bowl game with eight tackles, including two sacks.

With the victory over Georgia Southern, Liberty became the third FBS transitioning team in NCAA history to win a bowl game during its first full season at the FBS level.

Lemonier ended his career for the Flames with 20.5 sacks, which ranked third at the time in program history. During his two-year Liberty career, Lemonier ranked third among FBS players nationally in total sacks recorded during the 2018 and 2019 campaigns.

Following his days on Liberty Mountain, Lemonier played in the NFL for three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers (2020), Detroit Lions (2021) and Arizona Cardinals (2022).

Lemonier appeared in seven games with the Lions during the 2021 season, finishing with 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Liberty Athletics Statement:

The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier.

Jessie was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room.

Liberty Athletics will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers that God may bring peace and comfort to them during the difficult days ahead.