Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga has spoken out for the first time since the death of his 17-year-old son, Julius. Julius, a junior at Westlake High School in Ventura County, California, and a member of the school's varsity football team, passed away earlier this week after suffering a severe asthma attack. Brady expressed his gratitude for the support and compassion that his family has received during this difficult time. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to thank everyone for their love and kindness. He also mentioned that Julius was a special soul who had touched many lives and would be greatly missed.

According to reports, Julius was hospitalized after the asthma attack and tragically suffered a collapsed lung, which he did not recover from. Former NFL players, including Julius' former teammate Will Blackmon, shared their condolences online. Blackmon, who played for the Packers from 2006-2009, sent his love to the Poppinga family. The Westlake Warriors varsity football team, of which Julius was a part, had a game scheduled against Thousand Oaks on Friday. Despite the devastating loss, Julius' sister Jasmine expressed her brother's love for football and his desire for the team to play their hearts out in his honor. She thanked the Westlake football community for being a second family to her and her family during this challenging time.

The news of Julius' passing was confirmed by the Westlake football team through a post on social media. They expressed their deepest condolences to the Poppinga family and described Julius as a beloved member of their team who would be greatly missed. Jasmine also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, choosing to celebrate her brother's life rather than grieve his loss. She mentioned the impact Julius had on her family, friends, teammates, teachers, and coaches, and expressed her trust in God and the universe to take care of him.

Brady Poppinga had a successful career in the NFL, primarily playing for the Green Bay Packers. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of BYU and played six seasons with the Packers, winning a Super Bowl in his final season with the team. He went on to play for the Rams and the Cowboys before retiring. Westlake coach Mark Serve revealed that he had visited Julius earlier in the week and that Brady had expressed his son's desire for the team to play their scheduled game.

In the midst of their grief, the Poppinga family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from friends, former teammates, and the wider community. They have been grateful for the outpouring of condolences and love, finding solace in the knowledge that Julius' soul is in God's hands. The loss of Julius, a talented athlete and beloved member of the community, has deeply affected those who knew him. As the Westlake Warriors take to the field to play their game, they do so with heavy hearts but with the determination to honor Julius' memory through their performance.