LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Offensive lineman Mitch Petrus, a walk-on at Arkansas who went on to a three-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl win with the New York Giants, has died. He was 32.
Pulaski County Coroner Gerone Hobbs said Petrus died of heat stroke Thursday night at a North Little Rock hospital after working outside that day at his family’s shop near his hometown of Carlisle, which is about 35 miles east of Little Rock.
Like much of the country, Arkansas is in the grips of an intense heat wave. The heat index — the temperature it felt like — in the area where Petrus was working on Thursday was higher than 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
#NYGiants statement on the passing of Mitch Petrus: “We are saddened to hear of Mitch’s passing. Our thoughts go out to Mitch’s family and friends.” pic.twitter.com/6GPVBQEdyr
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 19, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mitch Petrus. He was an outstanding competitor, incredible teammate and a true Hog. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest easy Mitch. pic.twitter.com/pMToZaWmc3
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) July 19, 2019
