Rob Bironas was the kicker for the Titans for nine seasons - and he was married to country singer Rachel Bradshaw, the daughter of Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
Bironas' tragic death in an automobile accident Sept 20 in Nashville has the country music community reeling. Many country stars knew the affable, charity-minded pro football player.
"I don't know anyone that didn't like Rob Bironas. Lot of heavy hearts in Nashville today. Prayers for his family," Dierks Bentley posted on Twitter earlier today.
According to The Tennessean newspaper, Bironas lost control of his vehicle around 11 p.m. and collided with several trees before overturning. He was 36. He had been released by the Titans in March of this year.
Bironas was a well-known and respected friend to the country music community, regularly participating in charity events around Nashville.
Many of Bironas' friends from the country world have turned to Twitter to express their condolences to Rachel and their grief over her husband's death, remembering him fondly with photos and kind words.
Country Weekly presented a story about Bironas and posted those tweets in a special section on the magazine's website:
Sad to hear of the passing of @RobBironas last night. Please pray for his wife and family.
— Randy Houser (@RandyHouser) September 21, 2014
So sad - lost good buddy@RobBironas last night - heartbroken for dear friend @RachelTBradshaw - he was a great guy - and an amazing talent:( — Kix Brooks (@KixBrooks) September 21, 2014
One of the greatest field goals of ALL TIME by our friend @RobBironas -> https://t.co/8bnabrJ6sS #RIPRobBironas @RobinMeade @stormewarren
— John Rich (@johnrich) September 21, 2014
I'm so sad about the loss of our buddy @RobBironas please keep him & his wife @RachelTBradshaw in your thoughts & prayers. He will be missed — Jerrod Niemann (@jrodfromoz) September 21, 2014
Not only will sports world miss @RobBironas but country music too. Always giving his time to make the world better pic.twitter.com/lmCyXBOmqD
— Rodney Atkins (@RodneyAtkins) September 21, 2014
Not only will sports world miss @RobBironas but country music too. Always giving his time to make the world better pic.twitter.com/lmCyXBOmqD — Rodney Atkins (@RodneyAtkins) September 21, 2014
RIP Rob Bironas we will miss you friend God be with the family
— Craig Morgan (@cmorganmusic) September 21, 2014