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Who was Joe Jarzynka?
Joe Jarzynka was a former University of Washington football player who gained a large fan base for his versatility and personality. He played for the Huskies from 1996 to 1999 as a wide receiver, fullback, and special teams player who not only returned kickoffs and punts but also served as the place-kicker for a season. He was well-known for his fearless style of play, especially on punt returns, where he never called for a fair catch. He also had long hair that flowed out of the back of his helmet, adding to his charisma. Husky fans even formed a Jarzynka fan club to support him.
Jarzynka was originally a walk-on from Gig Harbor who played in 30 games and started three. He impressed everyone with his performance, earning a scholarship as a third-year sophomore and first-team All-Pac-10 honors as an all-purpose player in his senior year. He had several memorable moments on the field, such as returning a punt 91 yards for a touchdown against California, making a 44-yard field goal against Washington State, and accumulating 166 punt-return yards against Cal in one game. He was named the Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Year in 1998.
After his college career, Jarzynka became the CEO of the Steelhead Companies, a Tacoma real estate investment firm, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was also an avid fisherman who loved the outdoors.
How did Joe Jarzynka die?
Jarzynka passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 45. He was found dead on the banks of the Sol Duc River on the Olympic Peninsula, where he had gone for a fishing trip. According to Medico Topic, he died in a fishing accident and his cause of death will be confirmed after an autopsy.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said that they received a call from a person who saw a man who was “obviously deceased” on the river bank, wearing tan fishing gear. They also located a single-person pontoon boat stuck in a log jam about a mile downstream from where they found Jarzynka’s body. They confirmed with his family members that he had traveled with a boat that matched that description and had come to the area to go fishing.
How did the sports community react to Joe Jarzynka’s death?
Jarzynka’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or admired him as a football player. His former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and other platforms.
Cam Cleeland, a former UW tight end who played with Jarzynka, tweeted: “Husky Nation, today we lost a legend @joey_jay21 Joe Jarzynka… RIP #21, No Fair Catching brother” .
Jim Lambright, Jarzynka’s former coach at UW, said: “He was one of those guys that you just loved to have on your team. He was always upbeat, always positive, always giving everything he had. He was a great competitor and a great person” .
Dan Raley, a sports writer for Sports Illustrated Washington Huskies News, wrote: “Jarzynka’s death at such a young age just won’t resonate right away with his legions of Husky fans who saw him as indestructible and so unafraid of everything he did.”
Jarzynka will be remembered as a Husky legend who inspired many people with his passion and courage on and off the field. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fans.
