Former NFL Star Loses Daughter
Former NY Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson announced that his daughter Maia has died. She was only 25.
“My firstborn Maia brought immense joy to both me and her mother, Shikiri,” Johnson, 48, tweeted. “She came into our lives when we were becoming adults and has been a beloved presence for us both. We’re devastated by her loss.”
Maia is Johnson’s first child with ex-wife Shikiri Hightower. They were married from 1998-2002, and also share a son Keyshawn Jr. In addition, Johnson has three other children with his current wife, Jennifer Conrad — London, Shyla and Vance according to TMZ.
“Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family, and I thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time,” Johnson’s statement said. He did not reveal a cause of death.
Johnson played 11 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2007. He is an NFL analyst on ESPN’s NFL Live and co-hosts ESPN Radio’s morning show, Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin, alongside Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti.
The Professional Sports World Shares Condolences
After Johnson’s announcement and his daughter’s passing. Sports fans and several of Johnson’s colleagues took to social media to share their condolences.
ESPN expressed, “Our thoughts are with Keyshawn and his family during this unimaginable tragedy. He has our full support.”
Moreover, Johnson’s ESPN colleague Louis Riddick tweeted: “I am so very sorry Keshawn,” he wrote. “That is devastating and heartbreaking to hear. From my family to yours…our deepest and most sincere condolences brother.”
Fans Offer Up Some Wisdom to Keyshawn Johnson
No loss is easy, especially the loss of a child who left too soon. Fans issue statements of support as Johnson and his family grieve.
“Oh man, that’s heavy, but you don’t have to carry it alone. We might be strangers, but we’re all here for you. I’m sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child.”
Johnson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NFL draft, selected by the New York Jets. Later, He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Carolina Panthers.
