Graphic by Ernie Gonzalez, photos by Kavin Mistry
By Zulma Canahui (@zulmac05) — Reporter
Former San Jose State running back DeJon Packer died Sunday, according to authorities. He was only 24 years old.
According to the Mercury News, Packer was found dead in his home Sunday afternoon. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office said an official cause of death is pending.
San Jose Police’s media relations team tweeted Monday afternoon that there were two publications that incorrectly and inappropriately connected Packer’s death to a homicide that also took place Sunday.
An SJSU alumnus, Packer joined SJSU’s football team in 2017 as a walk-on. The San Jose native played for three seasons from 2017 to 2019.
Before being known as a running back-turned San Jose police officer, he was known as a friend.
“Off the field he was an amazing person, he could light up any room with his humor,” says Branden Keding, a high school friend of Packer. “Every memory I have with him and others have with him, they all stand out.”
His former position coach Alonzo Carter took to Twitter Sunday night as well.
With a turn of events, he continued his journey as a running back at SJSU. Through the three seasons at SJSU, his plays were something to look out for.
In his second season as a Spartan, Packer appeared in four games. During that season, his most productive game was in the opener against UC Davis. He had 10 carries for 41 yards. He ended the season with one touchdown against Nevada.
In his third and final season as a Spartan, Packer had what he himself tweeted, a “moment he will never forget” in scoring a touchdown against SEC opponent Arkansas on the road late in the game, which helped lead SJSU to its first-ever win against an SEC program.
Outside of being an athlete, he aimed toward majoring in health science. As graduation neared, he became unsure of what his next step would be. Inspired by a presentation given by the San Jose Police Department, his trajectory changed.
Graduating from SJSU, the pandemic had halted his path. The SJPD had an academy graduation ceremony delayed. It wasn’t until Feb. 2021 that he participated in his graduation ceremony.
His reasoning for joining was to create a change within low-income communities and be an example for kids who look like him, according to The East Bay Times.
SJPD shared Packer was an esteemed officer and worked a shift before his passing, according to The Mercury News.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.