17-Year-Old Son of Retired Super Bowl Champion Dies Following Asthma Attack
Julius Poppinga, 17, has passed away after suffering a severe asthma attack.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior, the son of former Packers Super Bowl champion linebacker Brady Poppinga, reportedly had the asthma attack last week.
According to reports, Poppinga had a collapsed lung in the hospital and never recovered.
Poppinga played football and lacrosse for Westlake High, VC Star reports.
Westlake High football player died suddenly after having trouble breathing.
Julius Poppinga, a 17-year-old junior football player at Westlake High School.
Poppinga had been hospitalized after earlier having breathing issueshttps://t.co/ddNxd9iqPI.#diedsuddenly #suddendeath pic.twitter.com/F3AkK49ZwV
— Hello Dave (@tulloch1978) August 31, 2023
Your motor was unmatched, your work ethic was straight up inspiring, your self confidence was what made you so great to be around. Rest easy little bro. You will be missed.
@Julius_Poppinga pic.twitter.com/mmixuF1xpr
— Garrett Spears (@CoachSpears_CCP) August 30, 2023
VC Star reports:
Poppinga played defensive end and on the offensive line for the Warriors. He was also a member of the lacrosse team.
“On behalf of the entire Westlake High School community, we send our deepest condolences to Julius’ family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and interacting with him,” Principal Jason Branham said in an email sent out to the school community. “At Westlake and throughout CVUSD, one of our greatest strengths is our caring and close community, which makes it all the more important that we continue to support and be there for one another in this incomprehensible time of loss and sadness.”
Westlake is scheduled to host Conejo Valley rival Thousand Oaks on Friday night. Its unclear if the status of the game will be affected.
Poppinga’s family members confirmed his death on social media.
“Words can not even begin to describe the immense amount of love, kindness, compassion, humor, athleticism, knowledge, trustworthiness, consideration for others, sincerity, loyalty, and friendly characteristics Julius holds,” his sister, Jasmine, wrote.
People reports:
Jasmine also shared images of tributes his Westlake High School made for her brother in recent days, including a memorial with flowers and a photo of the football field’s scoreboard reading “Julius” and “Poppinga” in place of the home and away team names alongside his number displayed in lights.
Julius is one of Brady and wife Brooke Hubbard’s three children. Brady, 43, played in the NFL from 2005 until 2012, winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010 before joining the St. Louis Rams and finishing out his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Ventura County Star reported that Julius had suffered a collapsed lung while in the hospital and died Wednesday. Westlake High School Principal Jason Branham sent out a letter to students announcing his death, according to the Times.
In addition to its tributes on campus, the high school memorialized Julius in a post on social media through its football team.
“Julius was a beloved member of our team and will be greatly missed by the entire tribe,” the football team wrote alongside a photo of Julius and Jasmine, who was a cheerleader at the high school.
KTLA 5 reports: