Former Bears linebacker Geno Hayes dies at age 33 from liver disease

Former Bears and Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes, who had been under hospice care at his parents’ home in Georgia, died Monday evening from liver disease.

He was 33.

Frankie Carroll, who coached Hayes at Madison County (Fla.) High School, told the Tallahassee Democrat he was informed of the player’s passing by Hayes’ family.

“It’s one of those things where you have to make sure you tell them you love them,” said Carroll, who recently visited Hayes.

In an interview with ESPN earlier this year, Hayes said he was diagnosed with “chronic liver disease” two years ago. He also said he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant at the Mayo Clinic and Northwestern Medicine.

Hayes signed with FSU in 2005 out of Madison County, where he became one of the top linebackers in the nation.

Carroll fondly recalled when then-FSU coach Bobby Bowden visited Hayes’ home in Greenville, Florida. Hayes deftly pushed a plate of greens underneath his bed as Bowden toured the home.

“Geno’s mom kept the house immaculate, spotless — and she was so mad,” Carroll said and laughed.

Hayes played three seasons at FSU — finishing his junior season second on the team in total tackles with 94 — and opted for the NFL Draft, where he was a sixth-round selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008.

Hayes moved into the starter’s role at weakside linebacker in his second season with the Buccaneers, replacing former Seminole and future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and finishing with a career-best 98 tackles.

“Geno was a beloved teammate and often the first player to volunteer his time to our efforts in the community,” the Bucs said in a statement. “He frequently visited schools and had a remarkable ability to connect with children. Losing him at such a young age is heartbreaking.”

Hayes played seven seasons in the NFLwith the Buccaneers, Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished his pro career with 401 tackles, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

He played in 15 games for the Bears in 2012, starting three. He had 16 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, that season.

Hayes was known on the field for his athleticism and quickness, and off it for his infectious, bright smile and willingness to help his hometown of Greenville.

Hayes told ESPN that he believes his use of over-the-counter pain medications during his time in the NFL, as well as his family’s history of liver disease, led to his condition. Hayes has two children, ages 13 and 8.

When asked what he would tell his players about Hayes, current Madison County coach Mike Coe told the Tallahasee Democrat Monday night: “That he absolutely loved being a Cowboy, great teammate, practiced like he played, with relentless energy, juice, passion. Fearless. Then later to see the Dad that he turned into, the joy that his kids brought him.”

Coe also offered this message on Twitter: ”RIP buddy. Tell your kids you love them and pray for them always.”

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