Paul Duncan, a former offensive lineman who played for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and spent time concisely in the NFL with Denver Broncos, lost his life from cardiac arrest at the age of 35 while he was on a run.
A great teammate, a loving husband, and father: Paul Duncan is tributed on social media
The saddening news was made public by his wife Ellen via a post on Instagram. The post said that Duncan, who is survived by Ellen and two young daughters, went into cardiac arrest on 15th July during a run in his Georgia neighborhood and was pronounced dead the next day.
“Yesterday, Friday, July 15, Paul went into cardiac arrest while on a run in our neighborhood. Today, he was pronounced brain dead. We will have a medical examination to understand cause of death. His body will be donated to people in need of organs and to medical research. Details on funeral arrangements to follow. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love, Ellen,” the post read.
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Upon the news spreading out, many well-wishers flooded Ellen’s Instagram account with heartfelt comments and paid tribute to Duncan.
“Hands down Paul was one of the best human beings I’ve ever met. An incredible friend and there are no words to describe how much he will be missed. The countless memories have been running through my head all day. He had heart of gold and loved you and his girls more than anything. As loving and selfless of a person as they come. Prayers to all who knew Paul and especially his beautiful family,” one commented.
“We loved Paul so much,” wrote another sympathizer, “He was a truly good man and brother-in-law. Respect is what keeps coming to mind. For how he lived. How he loved and led his life. A special, special guy. He cared so deeply about you and the girls. You were the lights of his life and I know he’s so proud of you all right now.”
between 2005 and 2009, Duncan played for Norte Dame for five seasons and made 18 starts with Fighting Irish, before his promotion to the NFL where he went on to sign for the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent.
“Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Paul Duncan,” Notre Dame lamented the loss on Twitter, “A great teammate, but more importantly a loving husband and father.”
Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Paul Duncan.
A great teammate, but more importantly a loving husband and father. pic.twitter.com/8VEDBy2nYf
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 20, 2022
Born and brought up in Dallas, Georgia, Duncan did his high schooling at East Paulding High. As per the official obituary, courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Duncan “excelled in basketball and football and was eventually named the best offensive lineman in Georgia. He was a model teammate and his legacy in his hometown community is still revered and treasured.”
