Former NFL linebacker Geno Hayes dies at 33

The NFL family is mourning the loss of a former player. Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and former Florida State star Geno Hayes died at 33.

Hayes was in hospice care at his parents’ home in Georgia, suffering liver complications.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Geno Hayes’ passing,” the Bucs said in a statement Tuesday. “During his time with the Buccaneers, Geno was a beloved teammate and often the first player to volunteer his time to our efforts in the community. He frequently visited schools and had a remarkable ability to connect with children. Losing him at such a young age is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Hayes was diagnosed with “chronic liver disease” two years ago. He also said he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant at the Mayo Clinic and Northwestern Medicine. He had been hospitalized 20 times while fighting the disease.

Hayes played seven seasons in the NFL with the Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars.