Retired NFL Player Milt Stegall Breaks Silence on the Heartbreaking Death of His Son Chase

In a deeply emotional message that has resonated across both the sports world and the broader community, retired NFL and CFL player Milt Stegall has broken his silence following the tragic death of his son, Chase Stegall, earlier this month at the age of 20. Chase, a college sophomore and member of DePaul University’s men’s soccer team, was found dead in his dorm room on June 2, sending shockwaves through his family, his teammates, and the university community.

Milt, best known for his career as a standout player with the Cincinnati Bengals and later with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League, took to social media to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support his family has received during this unimaginable time.

A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude and Resilience

On Saturday, June 7, Milt shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep thanks to the entire CFL community for their love and support in the wake of his son’s passing. His words were both touching and reflective, acknowledging the collective embrace that has helped him and his family through such a difficult period.

Milt began, “Thank you to the entire @CFL community. To my bosses, the commissioner, my @CFLonTSN family, players, past and present, owners, coaches, general managers, team staff, media personalities, and the incredible fans who make this league so special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

He went on to express how deeply the outpouring of support had impacted him and his family. “Every tribute, every call, every message, post, or sign, every act of love has wrapped my family and me in a comfort that is helping us navigate through these difficult times. The love you’ve shown us has been overwhelming, in the best way. It’s reminded us that this league, this family, runs so much deeper than football.”

Milt’s message went beyond simple appreciation—it conveyed a sense of gratitude for the warmth that had helped him and his family find strength during the darkest of times. He ended his statement with a plea for continued support, adding, “Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We feel them. And I hope to see you all again soon. #CFLLove #PaperPlates.”

Chase Stegall’s Untimely Death: A Devastating Loss

Chase’s passing has shaken his family, friends, teammates, and the entire DePaul University community. As a member of the men’s soccer team, Chase was known for his dedication and work ethic, and he had become a beloved figure among his peers. He had played in 16 out of 17 games during the 2024 soccer season and scored a goal against Drake University. His promising future was tragically cut short, leaving many to mourn the loss of a young man with so much potential.

Prior to his death, Chase had battled health challenges, including seizures that occasionally sidelined him from playing. In a heartfelt article he penned for DePaul’s website in February, he shared the support he had received from his teammates and friends, expressing gratitude for their constant care and concern. “My teammates and friends constantly checked up on me,” he wrote. “They’d helped me get to the hospital and sent me texts to make sure I was doing OK. Their kindness, their care, stayed with me.”

Chase’s family has been flooded with messages of support, and his teammates and the DePaul athletic staff have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss. The DePaul men’s soccer program released a statement after his death, remembering Chase as a “cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate, and kind-hearted friend.” They vowed to support Chase’s family and teammates through this devastating time, stating, “His loss will be deeply felt across our entire athletics and university family, and his memory will forever be a part of DePaul University.”

Milt Stegall’s Tribute to His Son’s Legacy

In the wake of this tragedy, Milt Stegall’s public reflections on his son’s life have provided a glimpse into the bond they shared. Milt has always been a beloved figure in the world of football, with a career spanning both the NFL and the CFL, but it’s clear that his greatest pride lies in his family. The grief of losing a child is an unimaginable pain for any parent, and Milt’s message to the public speaks to the heart of that loss.

Chase’s athletic ability and love for the game ran in the family, with his father Milt having had an extensive career in professional football. However, the family’s focus has always been on more than just the game. Their commitment to one another, especially in times of hardship, is at the core of what Milt shared in his recent message. For Milt, Chase wasn’t just a son—he was a teammate in the game of life, someone he had always hoped would take the torch and carry on their shared love for sports and for family.

The Impact of Milt and His Family’s Public Loss

The loss of Chase has left a deep impact on many who knew the Stegall family, particularly the community surrounding the CFL and DePaul University. Milt’s expression of thanks to the CFL family shows just how far-reaching their grief has been. Even beyond the football field, the love and support from colleagues, friends, and fans has been a testament to the Stegall family’s strength in the face of such immense sorrow.

As the Stegall family continues to grieve, the outpouring of support has not only brought them comfort but also reminded many of the shared humanity that exists beyond the confines of the media or sports. The way Milt has chosen to open up about his loss shows how important it is for public figures to use their platforms for vulnerability and connection, particularly during times of immense personal pain.

The WNBA’s Outpouring of Support for Milt and His Family

Though this tragedy affects the Stegall family, it has also deeply impacted the larger sports world. Athletes from various leagues, including the WNBA and NBA, have expressed their condolences to Milt and his family, acknowledging the profound loss. Milt’s reputation in the sports world has opened the door for others in the athletic community to send their messages of support, understanding the depth of the pain he is going through.

This moment serves as a reminder of the human side of athletes and public figures, who, despite their high-profile careers, also face the heart-wrenching challenges that so many families do. The outpouring of love, whether from fans, athletes, or fellow journalists, highlights the importance of family and community in times of sorrow.

Moving Forward: The Strength of the Stegall Family

As Milt Stegall continues to navigate this incredibly difficult time, his resilience in the face of adversity serves as an example of the strength of the human spirit. Despite the pain, Milt’s expression of gratitude for the support he and his family have received reflects a deep well of appreciation for the love and care they’ve experienced from both within and outside the sports world.

Chase’s legacy will live on, not just in the field of sports but in the hearts of those who knew him, who admired his passion for life and the game. His untimely death reminds us all of the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones, as life can change in an instant.

Conclusion: A Community United in Grief and Support

Milt Stegall’s heartfelt tribute to his son, Chase, has provided an emotional window into the grief and love experienced by the Stegall family. As the community around them continues to rally in support, the impact of this tragedy has underscored the strength of family and the importance of shared humanity in the face of loss. The love shown to Milt and his family serves as a reminder that even in the most difficult times, we are not alone—and the bonds we share with one another are what ultimately carry us through.