Los Angeles, California – The world was rocked on Wednesday, August 30th when the tragic news of the death of Julio Poppinga spread like wildfire. A vivacious 17-year-old, Julius was the beloved son of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga and his wife, Brooke Hubbard. He left this world far too soon after a severe asthma attack that led to a collapsed lung, leaving his family and loved ones with unimaginable grief.
One of three beloved children in the Popping family, Julius was a senior at Westlake High School in Thousand Oaks, California. He was a multi-talented student-athlete who excelled in both football and lacrosse. His untimely passing sent shockwaves through his community and the world of sports.
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While the pain of losing a child is a burden no family should ever have to bear, it is clear that Julius left a deep impact on those who knew him. His sister Jasmine confirmed he had passed in a heartfelt post on social media, sharing the devastating news with an extended network of friends, family, and supporters.
Julius Poppinga, who was he?
Julius was a standout football and lacrosse player as a senior at Westlake High School in Thousand Oaks, California.
Despite the tragic loss, Westlake High School has a game lined up against Thousand Oaks this Friday, September 1st.
Westlake coach Mark Serve told the Los Angeles Times that Julius’ father, Brady, said he wanted the team to play the game.
Former NFL player Brady Poppinga talks about the death of his son Julio
Brady Poppinga, 43, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “I’d like to thank EVERYONE for the incredibly beautiful, sweet, loving compassion they’ve sent us.”
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“Julius is a special soul who touched so many lives,” he continued. Even though we miss Dad, we KNOW we will see him and be with him again because of the Savior.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the unbelievably beautiful, kind, and caring concern they show for us. Julius is a unique individual who has impacted countless lives. Even though we miss Dad, we KNOW we will see him again and be with him because of the Savior. Brady Poppinga (@BradyPoppinga) August 31, 2023 “#familiesareforever”
Brady Poppinga made his mark in the NFL. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft and spent six of his eight NFL seasons with them.
He reached the height of his success while playing for Green Bay, helping the team win the Super Bowl in 2011. Towards the end of his NFL career, Poppinga also spent a brief time with the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams.
3 you bro! I’m done! lots of love
@KVN_03 Kyle Van Noy Aug 31, 2023
Matt Chatham, a former Jet and Patriot, wrote: “For those who remember the good old days of @FBbyFB, please send our friend @BradyPopping and his family right to the top of your prayer list.” He acknowledged that his audience is primarily from the Northeast and IA/SD.
Julius Poppinga has death is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. As we mourn this devastating loss together, let us also remember Julius for the bright, promising young man he was and the love and joy he brought to the lives of those around him.