Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late son, Julius, after the ‘special soul’ died aged just 17 from a severe asthma attack.
The teenager had been hospitalized by a severe asthma attack that had caused a collapsed lung, according to the Ventura County Star.
His sister confirmed his death through an emotional Instagram post and on Thursday, Brady – who won the Super Bowl in 2011 – released a heartbreaking message on social media.
‘I would like to thank EVERYONE for their unbelievably beautiful, sweet and loving compassion sent our way,’ he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Julius is a special soul who has touched so many lives. He is missed, but we KNOW that through the Savior, we will see him and be with him again. #famliesareforever’
Julius Poppinga’s death was confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post by Jasmine
His father, Brady, played eight seasons in the National Football League – six of which with GB
Julius Poppinga (R) pictured with his mom Brooke Hubbard, his sister Jasmine and Brady (L)
Julius’s elder sister (CL) shared several images of the pair and their family on Wednesday
Julius played football like his famous father and was a defensive end. He also played lacrosse
Julius played football like his famous father and was a defensive end, and also played lacrosse.
‘Words can not even begin to describe the immense amount of love, kindness, compassion, humor, athleticism, knowledge, trustworthiness, consideration for others, sincerity, loyalty, and friendly characteristics Julius holds,’ Jasmine wrote on Instagram Wednesday.
‘He is the best younger brother I could ever ask for and the most amazing older brother to my younger sisters. He always lights up a room with his loving and warm energy.
‘He has always been amazing on and off the football and lacrosse field and a phenomenal supportive teammate. He always knows how to make me laugh or smile even on the hardest days.
‘Everyone who has a chance to interact with Julius and all of his accomplishments in this life have been blessed. taking this tragic event and looking at it in a positive way has been hard, but instead of grieving I would rather celebrate his 17 wonderful and beautiful years on this earth and all the impacts he made in my life, my families, his peers, teammates, teachers, coaches, and anyone who has ever met him.
‘Julius’s caring and supportive traits have supported me throughout my whole life. I am beyond proud to be his sister and best friend.
‘I miss him more then anyone can ever imagine, but knowing that Julius’s lovely soul is in the hands of God comforts me. The way life works through god and our guardian angels is sometimes not the outcome we want or would ever expect.
Julius was reportedly hospitalized by a severe asthma attack that had caused a collapsed lung
‘I don’t have the immediate answers as to why something so sudden would happen like this and i don’t know if I ever will have the exact answer. I trust in god, the universe, and all higher powers that Julius will be taken care of and will be here to watch and comfort over my family.’
Serve, Julius’s football coach, told the L.A. Times that his player did not wish to speak on anything health-related when he visited this week.
‘He didn’t want to talk about his health,’ Serve said. ‘He wanted to talk football. We talked about him getting back on the field. I was texting last night (Tuesday) letting him know “I love you.” This morning (Wednesday), I got the news.’
Westlake are slated to play Thousand Oaks Friday and according to Brady – via Slate – his son would have wanted his teammates to partake in the game.
Westlake High’s principal Jason Branham also sent an email to confirm the news to the school community in Thousand Oaks, CA.
The Westlake Warriors football team paid tribute to its departed senior d-end on Wednesday
The team honored Julius by placing his name and jersey number on its scoreboard Wednesday
‘On behalf of the entire Westlake High School community, we send our deepest condolences to Julius’ family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and interacting with him.’
Brady, won the Super Bowl in 2011 with the Packers, his team beating the Steelers 31-25. He played eight seasons in the NFL following four seasons at Brigham Young University between 2001-2004.
He was drafted in the fourth round by Green Bay in the 2005 draft and played six seasons in Title Town.
In his penultimate pro football season, Brady played for the St. Louis Rams before one last season – in 2012 – with the Cowboys.
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