Devon Wylie's death raises COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories from fans - "Many young athletes are dropping dead!"

Devon Wylie has died and many are wondering how it could have happened when he was just 35 years old and presumably still in great shape.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans wide receiver and returner, who was a fourth-round pick in 2012, was confirmed to have died on November 13 by his family, which issued this statement (via People):

"There are no words to express the sadness that comes from losing a brother, dear friend and an amazing uncle. Devon had so much love and joy to give. Always making people laugh and entertaining us with his football skills, guitar jams, silly jokes and voices, back-flip tricks, fun banter, Star Wars obsession chat, Halo nights, and not to mention his beautiful smile. We will miss him always."

While no autopsy report on Wylie has been released yet, some are wondering if the COVID-19 vaccine played a part.

Understandably, these claims were condemned:

Others chose to focus on the mourning:

---

Fresno State University pays tribute to Devon Wylie

Meanwhile, Fresno State University, where Devon Wylie played before turning pro, posted a simple message after his death:

"Forever a Bulldog. Our thoughts are with the Wylie family during this difficult time."

John Baxter, the Bulldogs' special teams coordinator, also issued a statement:

---

How Devon Wylie fared in the NFL

At 5'9" and 187 pounds, Devon Wylie was projected to be another in a list of Wes Welker-esque slot receivers. According to Mocking the Draft (via SB Nation):

"Few players in the draft are as quick as Devon Wylie. He accelerates very quickly in and out of his cuts, making him a terrific route runner. Add to that his reliable hands, and with some NFL strength training, Wylie could become a dangerous slot receiver."

But once he made it to the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs, he could not quite break through in a heavily revamped team under then-new head coach Andy Reid. While he made the final roster, he did not see much playing time, catching six passes in as many games for 53 total yards.

He was waived in 2013 and spent the first two months in practice squads before becoming a returner for the Tennessee Titans. But he lasted only two games before being cut after a fumble.

Wylie would never make another full roster and closed out his gridiron career with the Toronto Argonauts in Canada.