Beloved former Kentucky QB and NFL backup Jared Lorenzen passed away due to numerous complications at the age of 38 yesterday, and was a fan favorite anywhere he played because of his infectious personality and his every man appeal as a 300 lb quarterback.
Although Lorenzen didn’t put up big NFL numbers, he did play a part in the David Tyree ‘helmet catch’ by preparing Eli Manning for a similar situation in practice while serving as his backup from 2004-2007. The drill involved Lorenzen trying to violently strip Manning in the pocket, which Eli later credited with his Houdini escape that led to his infamous toss to Tyree that led to a Giants Super Bowl XLII ring in 2008.
This is a great way to pay tribute to the gentle giant. Rest in peace big fella.
Without Jared Lorenzen, the Helmet Catch might have never happened.
Rest In Peace to the former @Giants QB and Super Bowl champ. pic.twitter.com/1XRZVYmjyv
— NFL Throwback (@nflthrowback) July 4, 2019