Former Raiders and Florida Gators Linebacker Neiron Ball Dies at 27

We have some truly devastating news to report out from the Florida Gators and Oakland Raiders community.

Just one year after being admitted to an Atlanta hospital following a brain aneurysm, former Gators and Raiders linebacker Neiron Ball passed away Monday morning at the young age of 27.

Neiron Ball. Always smiling. Always happy. Always positive. Absolutely one of the best teammates and humans I was fortunate enough to be around. Thank you for being my friend and brother in that orange and blue. RIP brother!!! pic.twitter.com/vip5zzxGCs
— Gator Made (@XavierNixon) September 10, 2019

His captivating personality made him a fan favorite at every stage of his football career. Ball's sister, Natalie, was his best friend and took to Facebook in a gut-wrenching manner to confirm her brother's death.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Neiron Ball on September 9, 2019 at 4:15 am," her post read. "The Ball family is forever grateful for the prayers, donations, and immense support of Neiron and his recovery. Neiron was a very special and loving father, brother, and teammate. Neiron has transitioned to a place of peace."

Just heard former Raiders LB Neiron Ball has passed away. This is beyond heartbreaking. If you know his story, everything he experienced growing up & what’s he’s been through medically since 2011, it’s really hard to wrap your mind around it. He was just 27 years old. ????
— Fallon (@FallonSmithTV) September 10, 2019

While at Florida, Ball was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVN), a rare condition in which brain blood vessels rupture due to being tangled.

If not for his severe medical conditions, Ball could've had a promising career in the NFL. Back in 2011, he was forced to sit out of Florida's season after it was discovered his brain was bleeding.

Our thoughts go out to his family during these pressing times.