The San Diego Chargers addressed the death of former strong safety Paul Oliver Wednesday, saying the 29-year-old free agent “had a lifetime in front of him.”
Oliver’s death was confirmed by the Bolts, who released the following statement:
“Everyone in the Chargers family is sad today after hearing the news about Paul. He was part of our family for five years. At just 29 years old, he still had a lifetime in front of him. Right now all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.”
The Chargers first drafted Oliver in 2007 when the team used a fourth-round pick in the supplemental draft to nab the strong safety.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound University of Georgia alum made his debut with the Bolts in 2008.
Throughout the next four seasons, Oliver – known on the field as No. 27 -- played 57 games with San Diego.
During the span of his career with San Diego, the team says Oliver recorded 144 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one sack.
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His best season was in 2010, when he made eight starts and recorded 62 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and broke up three passes, according to the Chargers.
Though the team has not released details of Oliver’s death, several media outlets are reporting that the former Charger died of an apparent suicide.
