Former San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints OLB Parys Haralson Dies Yesterday at Age 37

Former San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Parys Haralson AKA "P-Town" died suddenly Monday, at just 37-years-old.

Parys Haralson's former Vols teammate Jayson Swain was devastated when he heard the news about the death of his friend last night. He says Haralson was a class act and a mentor to him when they both were at Tennessee. @SwainEvent pic.twitter.com/x1KYdJw8Lt
— Karthik Venkataraman (@KarthikV_) September 14, 2021

The Flora, Missippi native was bred into prospect status at Madison Central High School, where he went All-American as a senior. Haralson's family crafted his diligent work ethic at the ripe age of 14 by having him work in his uncle's warehouse and grandfather's scrapyard.

The Tennessee Football family is mourning the sudden loss of VFL Parys Haralson.

Haralson was a two-time captain for the Vols and finished his career 5th in program history with 21 sacks. pic.twitter.com/ETpG6tE1zI
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 14, 2021

The University of Tennessee Vols 2-time captain holds a career fifth program record with 21 sacks in college. Haralson was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006, selected in the fifth round 140th overall. In 86 games with the 49ers – the OLB put up 295 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, and 7 forced fumbles with 4 recoveries.

We are extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former linebacker and director of player engagement Parys Haralson.

Statement from the 49ers:
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 14, 2021

He would go on to be traded to New Orleans in 2013, where he played 32 games as a Saint – making 85 tackles (38 solo), 6.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, and 1 fumble recovered. In a press release about Harlson's passing the Saints said, "[He] possessed an unforgettable smile, upbeat attitude and was deeply respected by teammates and the coaching staff alike for his combination of dependability, leadership, and professionalism."

The New Orleans Saints are saddened to learn of the passing of Parys Haralson, who died Monday at the age of 37 🙏

Statement: https://t.co/8wSJApsNgB pic.twitter.com/yehKzeSNF8
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 14, 2021

During NFL retirement, Haralson went on to earn a Master's of Business degree from the University of Miami, before returning to the Bay Area and working as the 49ers' director of player engagement for 3 years. According to the 49ers organization, Haralson's role was to support in, "engaging, educating and empowering players to reach their full potential both on and off the field."

Former 49ers’ and Saints’ LB Parys Haralson has passed away, the 49ers announced Monday. He was 37. No cause of death was given for the man who played for San Francisco from 2006-12, then served as the team’s director of player engagement in 2016-17.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2021

"Parys was a beloved member of our organization that lived life with an extraordinary amount of passion and joy while leaving an indelible mark on everyone he came across. We extend our condolences to Parys' family and loved ones." - 49ers

Haralson's sudden death was announced by the 49ers on Monday without any cause of death mentioned, may he rest in peace.