Julius Poppinga dead at 17: Son of Green Bay Packers Super Bowl winner Brady dies after severe asthma attack as sister posts heartbreaking tribute
Julius Poppinga, the son of Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady, has died at the age of 17 from a severe asthma attack.
His sister confirmed his death through an emotional Instagram post, while his football coach at Westlake High, Mark Serve, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times following the tragic news.
He had been hospitalized by a severe asthma attack that had caused a collapsed lung, according to the Ventura County Star.
Julius played football like his famous father and was a defensive end, and also played lacrosse.
‘Words can not even begin to describe the immense amount of love, kindness, compassion, humor, athleticism, knowledge, trustworthiness, consideration for others, sincerity, loyalty, and friendly characteristics Julius holds,’ Jasmine wrote on Instagram Wednesday.
He is the best younger brother I could ever ask for and the most amazing older brother to my younger sisters. He always lights up a room with his loving and warm energy.
‘He has always been amazing on and off the football and lacrosse field and a phenomenal supportive teammate. He always knows how to make me laugh or smile even on the hardest days.
‘Everyone who has a chance to interact with Julius and all of his accomplishments in this life have been blessed. taking this tragic event and looking at it in a positive way has been hard, but instead of grieving I would rather celebrate his 17 wonderful and beautiful years on this earth and all the impacts he made in my life, my families, his peers, teammates, teachers, coaches, and anyone who has ever met him.
‘Julius’s caring and supportive traits have supported me throughout my whole life. I am beyond proud to be his sister and best friend.
‘I miss him more then anyone can ever imagine, but knowing that Julius’s lovely soul is in the hands of God comforts me. The way life works through god and our guardian angels is sometimes not the outcome we want or would ever expect.
‘I don’t have the immediate answers as to why something so sudden would happen like this and i don’t know if I ever will have the exact answer. I trust in god, the universe, and all higher powers that Julius will be taken care of and will be here to watch and comfort over my family.’
Serve, Julius’s football coach, told the L.A. Times that his player did not wish to speak on anything health-related when he visited this week.
‘He didn’t want to talk about his health,’ Serve said. ‘He wanted to talk football. We talked about him getting back on the field. I was texting last night (Tuesday) letting him know “I love you.” This morning (Wednesday), I got the news.’
Westlake are slated to play Thousand Oaks Friday and according to Brady – via Slate – his son would have wanted his teammates to partake in the game.
Westlake High’s principal Jason Branham also sent an email to confirm the news to the school community in Thousand Oaks, CA.
‘On behalf of the entire Westlake High School community, we send our deepest condolences to Julius’ family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and interacting with him.’
Julius’s father, Brady, won the Super Bowl in 2011 with the Packers, his team beating the Steelers 31-25.
Brady played eight seasons in the NFL following four seasons at Brigham Young University between 2001-2004.
He was drafted in the fourth round by Green Bay in the 2005 draft and played six seasons in Title Town.
In his penultimate pro football season, Brady played for the St. Louis Rams before one last season – in 2012 – with the Cowboys.
