Tuerk, who was drafted by the then-San Diego Chargers in 2016 and later joined the Arizona Cardinals, died while hiking on a trail in the Cleveland National Forest with his parents, although no cause of death was immediately given.

"Max loved his teammates, coaches, and schools," Tuerk's family said in a statement shared on Sunday.

"Max was a loving son and older brother and his passing leaves a giant hole in our hearts. His strength and work ethic is an inspiration to many."

On the news of Tuerk's death, tributes also poured in from former teams and teammates.