Appalachian State football player Jack Murphy dies

SAN MARCOS, TX - OCTOBER 08: An Appalachian State Mountaineers helmet lays on the sidelines during Sun Belt Conference game featuring the Appalachian State Mountaineers and the Texas State Bobcats on October 8, 2022 at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Chris Vannini
Apr 30, 2024

Appalachian State offensive lineman Jack Murphy has died, coach Shawn Clark announced Monday.

Murphy died Friday and there is no foul play suspected, the school said in a statement. Appalachian State did not provide additional details.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jack Murphy,” Clark posted on X. “He was a beloved Mountaineer. Please keep his loved ones and our App State family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

“The hearts of the App State community are with Jack’s loved ones during this very difficult time,” the school said. “We are respecting his family’s wishes and requests and are providing support and assistance as requested.”

App State finished spring practice in March.

Murphy, who was set to be a fifth-year redshirt junior this coming fall, was a third-team All-Sun Belt selection and started all 14 games at offensive tackle. The Fairfax, Va., native previously played three years at Marshall from 2020 to 2022.

(Photo: John Rivera / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Chris Vannini

Chris Vannini covers national college football issues and the coaching carousel for The Athletic. A co-winner of the FWAA's Beat Writer of the Year Award in 2018, he previously was managing editor of CoachingSearch.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisVannini