LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Super Bowl winner Brady Poppinga, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, paid tribute to his son Julius, who tragically died at 17 due to a severe asthma attack, which led to a collapsed lung, as per VC Star.
Julius' sister took to Instagram to share the tragic news of his death. Meanwhile, Brady turned to the same platform and posted a heartfelt message to remember his son.
NFL Super Bowl winner Brady Poppinga's son dies at 17
"I would like to thank EVERYONE for their unbelievably beautiful, sweet and loving compassion sent our way," wrote the 2011 Super Bowl winner.
"Julius is a special soul who has touched so many lives. He is missed, but we KNOW that through the Savior, we will see him and be with him again. #famliesareforever," he said of his late son.
Julius Poppinga was 'caring and supportive'
Jasmine Poppinga posted a lengthy message and a series of photos to honor her brother Julius.
"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 on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
"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," she added.
"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," Jasmine further added.
"Everyone who has a chance to interact with julius and all of his accomplishments in this life have been blessed," she further said.
"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," the grieving sister wrote.
"Julius’s caring and supportive traits have supported me throughout my whole life. i am beyond proud to be his sister and best friend," Jasmine continued.
"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," she wrote.
"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," Jasmine added.
"I [love] Julius," she concluded.