Former NFL linebacker Geno Hayes died aged 33 on Monday, two years after he was diagnosed with liver disease.
Hayes played for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL, with his last season coming in 2014.
He said last month he was on a waiting list for a liver transplant and last week was moved into hospice care.
Hayes believed pain medication taken during his NFL career contributed to the condition.
"The first diagnosis they gave me was alcoholic cirrhosis," said Hayes.
The Bucs said they were "deeply saddened" by his demise.
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