In what should have been one of the proudest moments of his life, LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell found a way to honor his late teammate, Kyren Lacy, as he was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Though it was a milestone for Campbell, the night was marred by the somber memory of his former teammate.
As the Patriots made their pick at No. 4, they chose Campbell, a Louisiana native and one of the top offensive line prospects.
The team was in desperate need of someone to protect their young quarterback, Drake Maye, and Campbell was seen as the right choice.
Campbell, looking sharp in a green pinstriped suit, made sure to pay his respects to Lacy.
On his suit was a white pin with a purple No. 2 – a touching tribute to Lacy, who wore that number while playing at LSU.
Though Campbell didn’t mention Lacy during his post-selection interview, the pin was a clear sign of his respect for the fallen receiver.
The Dark Cloud Surrounding Kyren Lacy’s NFL Prospects
Kyren Lacy, who had declared for the NFL draft in December, had been considered a potential early-round pick.
However, his career prospects were overshadowed by troubling legal issues stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December.
Lacy was allegedly involved in a reckless driving incident that led to the death of 78-year-old Herman Hall in Lafourche Parish.
Reports indicated that Lacy was speeding and passing in a no-passing zone when another driver, trying to avoid Lacy’s vehicle, swerved and collided head-on with Hall’s car.
The crash resulted in Hall’s death after he was rushed to the hospital.
Adding to the tragedy, Lacy was accused of fleeing the scene without attempting to provide aid, a decision that ultimately led to charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.
By January 13, Lacy had been booked on these charges, and his case was set to be heard by a grand jury just days before his tragic death.
Kyren Lacy’s Untimely Death Shocks the LSU Family
On April 12, just weeks before the NFL Draft, another troubling incident involving Lacy occurred.
Around 11:15 pm, a weapons disturbance was reported near Houston, allegedly involving Lacy.
A family member of Lacy’s told police they had been involved in a verbal altercation before Lacy fired a weapon at the ground.
Lacy reportedly fled the scene, but when law enforcement later identified his car and attempted to pull him over, he didn’t comply.
A short pursuit ensued, and eventually, Lacy’s car crashed.
When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered that Lacy had died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragic turn of events left the LSU community and the football world in shock.
Lacy, who had been a standout wide receiver for LSU, had put up impressive stats in the previous season, including 866 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
His potential in the NFL had been undeniable, but his promising future was tragically cut short.
Tributes Pour In as Lacy’s Legacy Lives On
Following his death, heartfelt tributes to Lacy began pouring in from former teammates, including LSU stars Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers, as well as NFL players like Dak Prescott.
The outpouring of love and respect for Lacy highlighted the impact he had both on and off the field.
\Though his time in the spotlight was brief, Lacy’s memory continues to resonate with those who knew him best.
The story of Kyren Lacy is a reminder of the fragile nature of life, and how quickly things can change.
As the NFL Draft continues to unfold, Lacy’s name will live on not just as a player with immense talent, but as someone whose life was tragically cut short, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of witnessing his potential.