Gone too soon. At just age 52, the HBCU football community has lost one of its most revered figures, Sean Wallace. Make no mistake—Wallace will not be remembered for only his contributions to Southern University Jaguar both as a player and a coach. He will go down as a symbol of strength, resilience, and grit, which embodied him every day. Of course, the Southern University family will miss him the most because of his contributions to the program over the years. However, his tragic demise is also being felt in the NFL, where one of his peers is simply heartbroken.

Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt has just paid his respects to Wallace, his once friend and teammate in the NFL. “Just found out this news. A friend and teammate from 94-95 in the NFL. Heaven just gained a true Man of God! Please Love and let go of anything that’s holding you back from seeking God. Life is short!🙏🏾🥺🙌🏾” Merritt probably knew Wallace from their time with the Cardinals, where he used to play as a linebacker. Yes, they might have spent only a year together in Arizona. But when we hop on the gridiron together, whether it’s for a single snap or a single year—that’s enough to become a part of each other’s chapter.

See, Wallace may not have spent a lot of his playing career in the NFL. However, he was a true superstar on the gridiron, judging by the individual honors he won. Two-time All-SWAC, SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, Bayou Classic MVP, two-time Sheridan Black College All-American, and so much more. Wallace was a celebrated figure whenever he stepped on the gridiron, which eventually led to him getting inducted into the Southern University Hall of Fame.

But his tragic demise will always live long in the memories of everyone who knew Wallace closely. He leaves behind his wife, Venio, and three children, Tonyatta, Abraham and Sadijah Wallace. There are also his grandchildren, Tiana and DJ, who lost their young grandfather. And, of course, don’t forget his sister Antoinette Wallace, who was the first one to announce her brother’s passing on Thursday morning.

Sean Wallace’s demise sends the whole HBCU community into grieve

“It is with sadness in my heart, my family, and my friends to let you know that my brother Mr. Sean Wallace has passed. I will let everybody know when the arrangements will be made. Thank You in advance for all the comfort and thoughts and prayers,” Antoinette wrote on her Facebook, sharing a few heartwarming pics with Sean. Well, this tragic period actually started back in 2023 when Wallace found out about his stage IV pancreatic cancer. At that time, his family wrote how Wallace’s cancer was almost incurable.

“The doctors found that the cancer had spread to his liver and is considered Stage IV Pancreative Cancer. The findings suggest that the tumor is in a difficult location, making it inoperable.” Even after knowing Wallace didn’t have a lot of time left, he didn’t stop doing what he loved. Yes, his treatment continued to prolong his battle with cancer. As for Wallace, he also continued his work as a safety coach for the Jaguars. Hell, he even earned a slogan during this time—#SeanStrong. Like he also got a brief chance to serve as the program’s head coach when the Jaguars parted ways with Eric Dooley in 2023.

So, he really went out doing what he breathed for. And that must have surely brought a smile to his face. In his words, “The old African proverb says it takes a village to raise a child. I can tell you my village has surrounded me with the support that I need. It’s unbelievable.” All we can say is rest in peace, Coach. Heaven really got a good man, just a bit too early.