FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Gillette Stadium, a fortress that has witnessed six Super Bowl celebrations and countless moments of triumph, felt painfully quiet today as the New England Patriots family grappled with unimaginable tragedy.
Kevin Faulk, the beloved three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most iconic figures in franchise history, has lost his daughter in a sudden and heartbreaking turn of events that has shaken the entire NFL community.
The news broke early Wednesday morning and spread rapidly through social media and local outlets, sending shockwaves from Louisiana — where Faulk starred at LSU before becoming a Patriots legend — to every corner of Patriots Nation.
For an organization that prides itself on brotherhood and resilience, the loss cuts deeper than any defeat on the field ever could.
During his scheduled media availability ahead of Wednesday’s practice, current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — who won three rings alongside Faulk as a linebacker during the dynasty’s formative years — stepped to the podium with red eyes and a trembling voice.
Setting aside all talk of game plans, injuries, or the upcoming schedule, Vrabel spoke only of his former teammate and the unbearable pain he is enduring.
“I want to start by sending my deepest condolences to Kevin and his entire family,” Vrabel began, pausing several times to compose himself. “There are no words — truly no words — that can describe this kind of loss or ease the depth of pain they’re going through right now.
Kevin, we just want you to know that this entire organization is wrapping our arms around you. We love you, we’re praying for you, and we’re here for you in any way you need.”
Vrabel and Faulk were teammates from 2001 to 2008, a period that saw the Patriots win every Super Bowl they appeared in.
Faulk, the shifty, sure-handed running back out of LSU, was the ultimate role player who became a dynasty cornerstone: 3 Super Bowls, 2001–2004 All-Decade Team honors, and the franchise’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards for over a decade.
Off the field, he was known as the quiet leader who always put team and family above everything else.
“This isn’t just about a former player,” Vrabel continued. “Kevin Faulk is Patriots football. He represents everything we stand for — toughness, selflessness, loyalty, and love for this organization. When he hurts, we all hurt. His pain is our pain.”
Tragically, this is not the first time the Faulk family has endured such devastation. In February 2021, Kevin and his wife Latoya lost their daughter Kevione Faulk, a 19-year-old student equipment manager for the LSU football program, to an accidental overdose.
The couple’s strength in the face of that unspeakable grief inspired countless people across the country. Now, facing another profound loss, the football world is once again rallying around one of its most respected figures.
Within hours of the news breaking, an outpouring of love flooded social media. Tom Brady, who shared the backfield and the Lombardi Trophies with Faulk, posted a heartfelt message: “Heartbroken for my brother Kevin Faulk and his family. Sending you all the love and strength in the world.
We are always here for you.” Other dynasty-era teammates including Tedy Bruschi, Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, and Deion Branch shared similar tributes, while current Patriots players past and present echoed the same sentiment: Kevin Faulk is family forever.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement saying, “Kevin Faulk has given so much to this organization and this community for over two decades. Today, our only priority is supporting Kevin, Latoya, and their children through this unimaginable time.
The Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization are keeping them in our prayers.”
LSU head coach Brian Kelly, along with the entire Tigers athletic department, also expressed condolences, remembering how Faulk has remained a fixture around the Baton Rouge program even years after his playing and coaching there.
As practice began under gray New England skies, players wore heavy hearts on their sleeves. Several were seen embracing one another on the field, and a moment of silence was held before the session started.
For a franchise that has always preached “Do Your Job” and next-man-up mentality, today served as a stark reminder that some burdens are too heavy for any playbook to overcome.
Vrabel closed his emotional press conference with words that will resonate throughout Patriots Nation for years to come:
“Kevin, you never have to walk through this alone. This team, this city, this fan base — we all love you. We’re standing right beside you, today and every day after. You are Patriots forever.”
In a sport often defined by touchdowns and trophies, moments like these remind everyone why the bonds forged in Foxborough run deeper than any scoreboard. Tonight, the thoughts and prayers of an entire football nation are with Kevin Faulk and his family.
Rest in peace, angel. The Patriots family will carry you all through this darkness, just as Kevin carried us to so many victories.