Former Jackson State football player Kaseem Vauls has passed away, according to an announcement from his father, William Vauls.
The heartbreaking news was shared Thursday, October 8, as Vauls’ family announced his passing through his social media account.
Vauls was a former Jackson State defensive lineman who became the subject of widespread support from the HBCU football community after suffering a cardiac arrest in February 2023.
At the time, Vauls was 21 years old and entering his second season with the Tigers after transferring from Alabama A&M.
A Community Rallying Around Kaseem
In February 2023, Vauls was hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest.
According to reporting from the Clarion Ledger, Vauls had been experiencing stomach pains and had not been feeling well for several weeks. His father, William, encouraged him to go to the emergency room.
While at the hospital, Vauls suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors resuscitated him, placed him on a ventilator and performed an emergency procedure.
His father provided updates throughout the difficult period, telling the Clarion Ledger that his son’s condition was critical but that doctors were working to stabilize him.
The news brought an immediate response from the Jackson State community, including alumni, coaches, students and supporters who rallied around the Vauls family.
Vauls Leaves the Hospital
There was eventually encouraging news.
On March 29, 2023, William Vauls announced that Kaseem had been discharged from the hospital.
“Kaseem is going home!!” his father wrote in a message shared through Kaseem’s social media account, while thanking everyone who had prayed, donated and supported the family.
That moment represented a major turning point after weeks of uncertainty.
Vauls’ 2023 health battle became a story followed closely throughout the HBCU football community, with supporters continuing to send prayers and encouragement to his family.
Remembering Kaseem Vauls
Vauls began his college football career at Alabama A&M before transferring to Jackson State. He was a redshirt freshman with the Tigers in 2022.
His journey ultimately became about much more than football.
It became a story about family, faith, resilience and an HBCU community coming together during one of the most difficult moments imaginable.
Now, that same community is mourning his passing.
Details surrounding Vauls’ death have not been publicly disclosed beyond the announcement from his father.
Sneaker Shop Talk sends our deepest condolences to the Vauls family, Kaseem’s former teammates, coaches, friends and everyone who loved him.
Rest in peace, Kaseem Vauls.
