Former USC center Max Tuerk died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 26.
USC’s Athletic Department announced the news on social media. No cause of death or other details were immediately given.
#FightOnForever, Max Tuerk.
The #TrojanFamily is terribly saddened by the news of Tuerk’s passing, gone too soon at the age of 26, and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/PBzN1J55Ch
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) June 21, 2020
Tuerk was a four-year starter and standout offensive lineman at USC from 2012 through 2015. A first team All-Pac 12 selection in 2014, Tuerk made 38 starts across the offensive line for the Trojans. He was regarded as a versatile and athletic lineman with a bright NFL future.
The Chargers picked Tuerk in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but released him after he was hit with a four-game suspension at the start of the 2017 season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He later had a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals before being released in 2018.
