What catastrophic and sad news ever! The Indianapolis Colts have just confirmed the death of their superstar player and his whole family at the same time.
According to Colts owner Jim Irsay, Matt Ulrich, a reserve offensive lineman who spent two seasons with the team that won the 2006 Super Bowl, passed away at the age of 41.
“The news of Matt Ulrich’s passing breaks my heart. Though Matt was only with us for two seasons, he made a lasting impression on many, “Irsay wrote on X. “Amazing guy; I’ve heard he was a fantastic father—and he won the Super Bowl.” My condolences to his family.
The cause of death is still unknown.
Ulrich had four sons from a previous marriage. Following his passing, his wife, Alison, wrote a heartfelt post on Facebook.
“Our beloved, one-of-a kind Matt has passed away and is in a better place,” Alison said. “We adore you so much, Matt. We sincerely miss you. For just one more day, we all want you back. Give me one more hug. Just one more kiss. One more chuckle. One more joke. Another fight with the boys. It feels like I couldn’t get through this life without you.
Please offer the boys comfort and serenity in your prayers. Their best friend, mentor, and supporter is no longer with them.”
Ulrich’s bio at Profitable Ideas Exchange in Bozeman, Montana, where he worked as chief growth officer and partner, states that his greatest joy in life was being a father and supporting other young athletes.
“My four preteen sons are the joy of my life, and they keep me alert and focused.
I also devote my time to coaching and training young athletes in our community so they can realize their greatest potential. One of my genuine passions is this,” Ulrich stated in his bio. “I’m also frequently at the gym, where I just achieved a 40-year-old record by bench pressing 505 pounds. Setting goals is a continuous process.
Originally from Chicago, Ulrich attended Northwestern University on a football scholarship. As a senior in 2004, he led the team as captain and was a three-year starter on the offensive line. He contributed to Northwestern’s success in 2000, helping the team win a Big Ten championship and two bowl games. He was on the Academic All-Big Ten team as well.
Ulrich signed a free agent deal with the Colts shortly after the 2005 NFL Draft, and he played two seasons on the active roster, making ten appearances.
Ulrich returned to Chicago after his time in the NFL, where he established a sports performance clinic in 2007. Ulrich stated in his bio that he and his wife, Alison, had always wanted to raise a family in Montana, where he soon relocated.
Ulrich has a long list of athletic achievements and is the head coach at Mountain Edge Athletics, a speed and strength training facility in Bozeman.
“Through hard work and dedication in the gym on and off the field, he became a three-time Iron Cat, an award bestowed only to athletes achieving the highest level of strength, speed, and overall conditioning,” according to the website of Moutain Edge Athletics.
Ulrich still owns numerous lifting records from his time at Northwestern, including the dumbbell military (120s for seven reps), incline press (425 pounds), bench press (475 pounds), and squat (715 pounds).
“Matt advanced his training after graduating from college. Matt impressed NFL scouts with more than just his strength while honing his speed and footwork in Cincinnati under the guidance of former USA Olympic coaches, according to Mountain Edge Athletics. “On his Pro Day, Matt showed his athleticism at 304 pounds with top offensive linemen scores in all of his combine events.”
A 4.22 pro shuttle, a 6.76 three-cone drill, a 5.05 40-yard dash, a 32-inch vertical jump, and an 8-foot, 8.5-inch broad jump were among them.
Ulrich discussed his biggest career achievements on the website of his business, citing his executive education certifications in strategic marketing management from Stanford and in leading professional services firms from Harvard Business School.
Ulrich wrote, “which instilled in me the importance of teamwork, grit, and leadership.” He also discussed the Colts’ Super Bowl victory in February 2007.
Ulrich served as a player advisor for Harvard’s Football Players Health Study at the time of his passing. The study was established in 2014 as an extensive research initiative looking into factors that affect the health and wellbeing of former NFL players.
Ulrich’s services are still being finalized, as stated in Alison’s Facebook post. “Thank you to everyone for reaching out and offering help,” she wrote in a note. “We are surrounded by love and are grateful for it.
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