Former San Jose State football player Jelani Newman has died after a “sudden motorcycle accident.” He was 25.
“Jelani was smart, kind, funny, brave, and ambitious, and those who knew him will remember the warmth, strength, and bright spirit he brought into their lives,” his friend Domenica Civitano shared on a GoFundMe page set up for Newman. “He was the kind of person who could make people laugh, show up with compassion, and leave a lasting impression through both his character and determination.”
Civitano confirmed that money generated from the GoFundMe appeal will support Newman’s family as they “try to navigate the painful responsibilities that come with saying goodbye.”
“The funds raised will help support Jelani’s loved ones as they honor his life with a memorial and give him a proper burial,” Civitano wrote. “More than anything, this fundraiser is meant to help ensure that Jelani is laid to rest peacefully and with the dignity he deserves. During this painful time, any support can help ease some of the burden on the family and allow them to focus on mourning, remembering Jelani, and surrounding one another with love.”
The GoFundMe page’s organizer stressed that “every act of kindness, support, and remembrance” will be appreciated by Newman’s grieving loved ones.
“[His family intends to] come together to honor a life that meant so much and give Jelani a peaceful and proper farewell,” Civitano noted.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $5,000 of a $13,000 goal as of publication.
San Jose State’s football program also paid tribute to Newman on Wednesday, September 23, with a statement, which read, “Our hearts are with the Newman Family during this time. Forever in our hearts #72.”
Newman was an offensive lineman on the San Jose State football team from 2018 to 2022. Prior to college, Newman was a two-time Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) first-team All-Region 4A selection at Scottsdale, Arizona’s Saguaro High.
In 2018, he was recognized as one of the top high school players in his region when he became a first-team all-state class 4A honoree. The athlete lettered in football as well as throwing the shot put and discus on the track and field team at Saguaro High.
On the gridiron, Newman redshirted his first season at San Joe State before making his college football debut as both a reserve lineman and on special teams at the Offerpad Arizona Bowl in December 2020 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson.
Newman appeared in all 12 of San Jose State’s games in the 2021 season but did not notch any playing time for his final year at the university.
His college biography noted that Newman was a business administration major whose career ambition was to become a “general manager of a professional sports franchise.” Newman enjoyed bass and catfish fishing in his spare time, with his biggest catch being an 8-pound bass that he reeled in in the Arizona canals in the summer of 2017.
