Former Super Bowl Champion and Beloved Carolina Panthers Veteran Dies After Courageous Battle With Cancer, NFL Mourns a True Warrior

The Carolina Panthers and the broader NFL community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of a beloved former player and Super Bowl champion, whose tenacity on the field was matched only by his courage off it. Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and Carolina Panthers veteran, Najee Goode, has passed away after a brave battle with cancer. He was just 34 years old.

Goode, who carved out a nine-year career in the NFL, was best known for his role on special teams and as a depth linebacker. He contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ historic Super Bowl LII championship run in the 2017 season — a triumph that brought the city its first-ever Super Bowl title. But for Carolina Panthers fans, Goode’s brief time in Charlotte was marked by leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, even as injuries and personal battles mounted behind the scenes.

Though not a household name to casual fans, Goode’s passing has sent ripples through the NFL family. Coaches, teammates, analysts, and fans alike have been pouring out tributes for the Ohio native — a player often described as the “glue guy,” the type of teammate every locker room needs but few truly appreciate until they’re gone.

Goode was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, just two years after stepping away from football following his final stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. He chose to keep the diagnosis private, sharing the news only with close family and a handful of former teammates. Those who knew him best say that even during his most difficult days, Goode never let his spirit waver.

“He was always smiling,” said Thomas Davis Sr., the legendary Carolina Panthers linebacker and longtime team captain. “Najee came into our building with a professional mindset and a heart for his teammates. When I heard about his fight with cancer, it didn’t surprise me one bit to hear that he faced it the same way he faced everything — head on.”

Goode began his NFL journey after being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A product of West Virginia University, he quickly established a reputation for intelligence and hustle. He was known as a “film room junkie,” often spending long hours studying opponents and learning multiple positions on defense.

After stints with the Buccaneers and the Eagles, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts and later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though his time with the Panthers in 2019 was brief — just four games before being sidelined by injury — Goode left a lasting impression on Carolina’s locker room.

“He wasn’t just another veteran,” recalled then-head coach Ron Rivera. “He was the kind of man you want young players to learn from — thoughtful, accountable, and fearless.”

Off the field, Goode had a wide range of interests. He was a passionate advocate for STEM education and frequently visited schools to encourage students to pursue careers in science and technology. His father, John Goode, had been a standout linebacker at the University of Michigan, and Najee often credited his dad’s influence as the guiding force in his life.

In a 2018 interview shortly after winning the Super Bowl, Goode reflected on the journey that took him from Cleveland, Ohio, to the NFL’s grandest stage.

“I never thought I’d be holding that Lombardi Trophy,” he said, eyes gleaming. “It wasn’t about being the star. It was about helping my team win — in the shadows, on special teams, in practice — whatever it took.”

That mindset earned him the unwavering respect of his peers. Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson released a statement upon hearing the news of Goode’s passing:
“Najee was the heartbeat of our locker room in many ways. He showed up every day with a workmanlike mentality and made everyone around him better. He was one of the unsung heroes of our Super Bowl team, and his legacy will live on forever in Philadelphia.”

Goode’s death also sparked tributes from across the NFL, with franchises such as the Buccaneers, Eagles, Colts, Jaguars, and Panthers all issuing public condolences to his family and loved ones. Players across the league took to social media to share heartfelt messages and memories, painting a picture of a man who touched lives far beyond the gridiron.

“Rest in peace to one of the realest teammates I ever had,” tweeted Mychal Kendricks, a former Eagles linebacker who played alongside Goode. “Najee brought energy, wisdom, and pure heart to every game. Gone way too soon.”

For the Panthers organization, Goode’s story underscores a familiar theme — the brotherhood of football extends beyond team logos and city borders. Though his stay in Charlotte was brief, his presence loomed large, particularly among younger players seeking guidance from seasoned veterans.

“Najee led by example,” said Shaq Thompson, Carolina’s current veteran linebacker. “He didn’t need the spotlight to shine. We learned a lot just by watching how he handled himself — always humble, always hungry.”

The Panthers plan to honor Goode during their first home game of the 2025 season, with a moment of silence and a tribute video set to play at Bank of America Stadium. His family is expected to be in attendance, including his wife, Ashley, and their two young children.

In a statement issued through the team, Goode’s family thanked fans and the NFL community for their support during his illness:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Najee. He was a warrior on the field and a hero in life. His courage, love, and faith carried him through every challenge, and we are comforted knowing he is finally at peace. Thank you to the teams, fans, and friends who lifted him up in prayer and in love.”

As the NFL prepares for the upcoming season, the loss of Najee Goode is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life — even for those who once seemed invincible between the hash marks. His death marks yet another painful chapter in the ongoing story of former players facing health battles after retirement, a subject that continues to stir conversation within league circles.

Yet for all the sadness, Goode’s life offers more than grief — it offers inspiration. In the ultimate team sport, he was the ultimate teammate. In a league where many chase personal glory, Goode pursued something deeper: purpose, integrity, and quiet impact.

His legacy may not fill highlight reels, but it will fill hearts — in locker rooms, classrooms, and communities where he quietly gave his all.

The Carolina Panthers, and indeed the entire NFL world, will miss him dearly.

Rest in peace, Najee Goode — champion, mentor, father, and friend. Your fight is over, but your light will never dim.