Former Notre Dame RB George Atkinson III Passes Away at 27

The football world has suffered a tragic loss.

Notre Dame alum and former NFL running back George Atkinson III has passed away at the age of 27. The cause of death is still unknown.

Former Notre Dame running back George Atkinson III has died. Atkinson III has been dealing with depression since the death of his twin brother Josh roughly one year ago. Both were part of Notre Dame’s 2011 recruiting class.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) December 3, 2019

Atkinson, son of longtime Oakland Raiders defensive back George Atkinson Jr., lost his twin brother Josh in January due to an apparent suicide. Atkinson has reportedly been dealing with depression since then and right now it's believed -- but NOT confirmed -- he suffered the same fate.

Former teammates have expressed their condolences and support for the Atkinson family.

In sophomore camp I roomed with George and he helped me a lot learning the playbook and just encouraged me to get out there and show what I could do. Thanks bro, Rest up and keep looking after us with Josh, GB, & Kona.?? pic.twitter.com/ImNaRnjK8Q
— William Mahone (@Wmahone4) December 3, 2019

Atkinson's mother suffered from paranoid schizophrenia when the twins were children and she passed away due to complications stemming from Crohn's disease not long before Josh's death. Atkinson addressed this in an open letter in November.

Atkinson played three years at Notre Dame as a running back and return man. He was an honorable mention All-American as a returner his freshman year by Sports Illustrated. He was also a member of the Fighting Irish's track and field team and finished second in the preliminary 100-meter dash at the 2012 Big East Championships.

Atkinson played in the NFL from 2014-2018, during which he had stints with the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets.

Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time.