Former San Jose State football player and recently hired San Jose police officer DeJon Packer dead at 24

Former San Jose State running back DeJon Packer passed away on Sunday at the age of 24. Packer was remembered for scoring the game winning touchdown over Arkansas in SJSU’s first-ever win over an SEC opponent.

Packer recently joined the San Jose Police Academy, and was sworn in as a police officer. Packer was a Junior College Walk-On who had a drive like no one else. He wanted to be successful so this loss is so heartbreaking.

Packer was found dead Sunday afternoon at his Milpitas home, according to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office and law-enforcement sources.

San Jose State Head Coach Brent Brennan released the following statement:

“We all loved DeJon Packer and we will miss his infectious smile. He came to SJSU as a walk-on from San Jose Community College and eventually earned a scholarship. He scored two of the most important touchdowns for our team during the 2019 football season at Arkansas and in our home win over Fresno State. He made a huge impact on our program on and off the field and I am still processing the fact that he is gone way too soon. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and our team is still in shock. We will miss you Pack!”

Please keep DeJon’s family and friends in your prayers during this tough time. He was too young!