Jared Lorenzen Passes Away
The University of Kentucky lost one of its most beloved figures on Wednesday. Former quarterback Jared Lorenzen passes away at age 38 due to heart and kidney problems. He had been battling significant medical problems for some time before finally succuming.
Here is a statement from the family of Jared Lorenzen pic.twitter.com/vTJn2gdNU5
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 3, 2019
The “Hefty Lefty”
Lorenzen was born on February 14, 1981 weighing 13 pounds, 3 ounces. From there he never stopped growing as he became one of the best high school players in the state of Kentucky.
He came to Lexington from Highlands High School in Fort Thomas where he looked more like an offensive lineman than quarterback. However he had the mobility and gifted feet of a much lighter player. Over the course of his time at Kentucky he acquired many nicknames: The “Hefty Lefty,” and “Pillsbury Throwboy” were two favorites.
While he was famous for his stature there was no mistaking his prowess on the field. During his time at Kentucky he threw for a school record 10,354 yards and 78 touchdowns. In his first play from scrimmage he ran for 32 yards running by some defenders and over others.
Later that season he set another record throwing for 528 yards in a loss to Georgia. The game featured one of the most memorable plays in his career, “The Flip.”
https://twitter.com/Trav_Graf/status/1146521598838693888
In 2002 he helped lead the Cats to a 7-5 record, however due to probation they were unable to play in a bowl game. During his senior season Lorenzen nearly led the Cats to a win over Florida, losing in heartbreaking fashion. Later that year he had one of his biggest games ever. In a 71-63 seven overtime loss to Arkansas he threw for two touchdowns and 328 yards. But it was his work on the ground which kept the Cats in the game. He scored on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth overtimes to keep the contest going. The game ended with him fumbling as he tried to score once again to tie it up.
Super Bowl Champion
Lorenzen went undrafted in 2004 however the New York Giants signed him as a free agent. He spent four seasons as a backup to Eli Manning and became a Super Bowl Champion when the Giants beat New England in Super Bowl 42. In that contest, famous for the David Tyree catch, New York kept the Patriots from going undefeated.
He was later released in June of 2008 by the Giants, however he was quickly signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately he was released before the start of the season. The team released a statement following his death.
Statement from #NYGiants:
Jared was a special person, and a beloved Giant. He was an important member of our 2007 team, one that created its own destiny. Our thoughts are with Jared’s family and friends who loved and appreciated him so much, just as our organization and fans did. pic.twitter.com/z6TLw8WeO2— New York Giants (@Giants) July 3, 2019
In 2010 Lorenzen coached the quarterbacks at his alma mater Fort Thomas Highlands High School. Still wanting to play he joined the Ultimate Indoor Football League quarterbacking the Northern Kentucky River Monsters. Following his first season he was named league MVP. His career ended with a broken tibia during a game in 2013.
A Successful Businessman
After his football career ended Lorenzen founded a t-shirt company called Throwboy Tees. Known for a willingness to make a shirt about literally anything the company became very successful. In addition he became part of the Kentucky football pregame radio shows and Kentucky Sports Radio podcasts. He also made a few appearances on the Hey Kentucky program.
In 2017 and weighing more than 500 pounds he launched the “Jared Lorenzen Project” as he attempted to lose weight. He lost over 100 pounds as he documented his journey as a way to help others. ESPN also featured him in his quest to lose weight.
Again the Big Blue Nation lost a great one today as Jared Lorenzen passes away at age 38. Even more than a decade after he last played he remains one of the most beloved figures in school history. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Thanks for the memories, J Lo. #22 pic.twitter.com/5gmEe3Bq4p
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) July 3, 2019
