After the Death of Former Cardinals Star P.J. Blue, Mekhi Becton and Tyler Harrell Share Untold Truths About Their Friend
The Louisville Cardinals community is still reeling from the heartbreaking loss of former linebacker P.J. Blue, who passed away at the young age of 27. Known as a resilient player whose career was marked by both promise and injuries, Blue’s impact extended far beyond the football field.
This week, two of his closest former teammates — Mekhi Becton and Tyler Harrell — opened up publicly, revealing never-told truths about their bond with Blue and the man he was away from the spotlight.
Becton, now in the NFL, described Blue as “the glue in the locker room”, noting that his sense of humor and steady presence lifted the Cardinals during difficult stretches. “Even when he wasn’t at his best physically, he showed up for all of us,” Becton said. “P.J. was the kind of guy who made you believe in yourself.”
Harrell, who shared the field with Blue during some of Louisville’s most competitive years, reflected on his leadership. “A lot of people saw his injuries and thought he faded away, but inside that locker room, he was one of the strongest voices we had,” Harrell recalled. “He cared about everyone. He made sure the younger players felt included and supported, even when he was fighting his own battles.”
Both teammates also spoke on the private struggles Blue endured, hinting at challenges that weren’t always visible to fans. While they didn’t go into specifics, their words painted a picture of a player who carried himself with remarkable courage and dignity despite adversity.
The Cardinals program is expected to honor Blue later this season, with plans in place for a tribute that will recognize both his contributions on the field and his lasting influence on those who wore the Louisville uniform beside him.
For Becton, Harrell, and many others, Blue’s legacy is not defined by statistics or game highlights but by the relationships he built. “He was more than a teammate,” Harrell said. “He was family.
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