Former star NFL wide receiver and current ESPN commentator Keyshawn Johnson said Monday that his oldest daughter has died.
Johnson announced the tragic death of his daughter Maia on Twitter, she was just 25. No cause was provided.
“Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us. We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss.”
Johnson also has a 22-year-old son Keyshawn Johnson Jr. from his first marriage to Maia’s mother Shikiri Hightower, and three younger children with his current wife Jennifer Conrad.
Johnson played 11 seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the Jets in 1996. He joined ESPN before his pro-football career came to an end, starting a near decade-long tenure as an analyst on NFL Countdown in 2007. Last summer, Johnson partnered with Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti for ESPN Radio’s new nationally syndicated morning show. The former wide receiver also works as an analyst for ESPN’s NFL Live.
ESPN released the following statement: “Our thoughts are with Keyshawn and his family as they deal with this unthinkable tragedy. He has the full support of his ESPN family.”
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
