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Former NFL player Adrian Dingle, who spent five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, dies at age 45 – leaving his partner and young family heartbroken
The family of former NFL player Adrian Dingle has been devastated after he died this week at the age of 45.
Dingle was a San Diego Chargers defensive tackle from 2000 to 2004 and played five seasons in the NFL after being drafted into the 1999 draft following a record-breaking College Football career at Clemson University.
Dingle’s partner, Amy Bell, posted on Instagram that she was heartbroken for the man she called “my guy.” The couple has two young children: four-year-old son Adrian and two-year-old daughter Ava.
A cause of death has not been released by the family, although a brief obituary was released following Dingle’s death.
The message read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Adrian K. Dingle of Winthrop, MA, formerly of Holly Hill.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete. The family receives condolences over the phone.’
Dingle’s best season came in 2003 when he made 37 tackles and amassed six sacks after starting all 16 games for the Chargers.
Former NFL player Adrian Dingle is mourned by his partner Amy Bell and their family after he died aged 45
Dingle had a young family with late partner Amy and children Adrian and Ava. behind
Dingle’s partner is heartbroken
Dingle attended Clemson University from 1995 as a freshman at Roberts High School in Holly Hill, South Carolina.
He was the defensive MVP of the 1994 North-South High School All-Star game and helped the Tigers reach three bowl games. His 180 tackles are still the 11th in college history.
The star also has the sixth most sacks in college with 23. He was chosen by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1999 draft.
“RIP to my teammate @AdrianDingle,” tweeted former Charger Marcellus Wiley.
“We just hung out, laughed, exchanged war stories and talked about family. Rest in peace big dog!’
Sprinter Tyree Washington also paid tribute to Dingle, saying, “Rest in peace my brother Adrian Dingle.
“Your smile was contagious and your drive to be the best at your craft was amazing! Appearances are deceiving!
He helped the Tigers reach three bowl games and his 180 tackles still rank 11th in college history before advancing to a career in the NFL
‘RIP to my teammate @AdrianDingle,’ tweeted former Charger Marcellus Wiley
Sprinter Tyree Washington also paid tribute to Dingle
“Never assume that someone is okay because of their success, appearance, material possessions, etc.
‘Look at your peeps! We all need someone! #mentalhealth #NFLPA #NFL Athletes for hope.
“It was a pleasure to share the field with my brother while I was teammates at Los Angeles Chargers. Prayers for your family.’
He was previously referred to as ‘one of the squad’s most reserved players’ by head coach Marty Schottenheimer.