Former University of Texas-San Antonio football player Jacob Graner died at age 28 on Saturday, September 12.
No cause of death has been made public. He is survived by his wife, Natalie, sons, Elijah and Mason, as well as his parents, grandparents and siblings.
“Jacob, you were my soulmate and my best friend,” Natalie wrote in an Instagram tribute on Monday, September 14. “You touched so many lives, especially mine. I don’t even have the words to express how I’m feeling right now. I just miss you terribly.”
She continued, “I’m beyond thankful for the 10 years we had together on this earth. As much as I wish we had more time, and as much as I don’t understand why you were taken from us so soon, I find comfort in knowing that you are with our Lord in paradise.”
Natalie also promised to raise their sons “the way we always wanted to.”
“I promise to stay strong for them, to tell them all the amazing things about their dad, and to make sure they always know just how much you loved them,” she wrote. “And I promise to hug them every single day for you, just like you hugged me every single day. You always gave the best hugs. If only I could have one more hug from you right now.”
Jacob was an offensive lineman for the Roadrunners from 2016 to 2019, appearing in 13 games across his junior and senior seasons.
UTSA announced in a release that in lieu of flowers, Jacob’s family has requested donations to his sons’ college funds.
“I didn’t get the privilege of coaching Jacob but I work with guys that played with him and coached him. All of them speak of what a wonderful human he was on and off the field,” UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor wrote via X.
As word of Graner’s death spread, some of his former teammates took to the guest book under his obituary to share their memories.
“Jacob was an absolute joy to be around when we played football together at UTSA. We sat together every day for film study and on the bus after games,” former UTSA offensive lineman Josh Dunlop wrote. “I’ll always remember his laugh and how it was contagious. My heart goes to his family and 2 beautiful children. Gone too soon brother. You touched so many lives with your smile.”
Dominic Pastucci, also a former Roadrunners lineman, wrote, “I have tons memories of his, but one that always stayed consistent is that he would always play RuneScape before he would go to bed at the hotel and I’d always watch. Words can’t describe how wonderful a person he is and how I always looked up to him during my time at UTSA. He is a role model that gave 100% every play, every day, on and off the field. I am truly sorry this world lost such a great person.”
