Former Super Bowl Champion Dies At 41

Former Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Matt Ulrich has died at the age of 41.

Ulrich, 41, was a member of the franchise’s 2006 Super Bowl-winning team with Peyton Manning.

“Ulrich signed with the Colts as an undrafted agent and played for them from 2005-06, winning a Super Bowl ring following Indianapolis’ win over the Bears in Super Bowl XLI,” the New York Post reports.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad—and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said.

I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad—and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cb21IkP1XT

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 8, 2023

From the New York Post:

“Again, seeing the confetti come down Colts colors and be able to hold the Lombardi Trophy, everyone being on the field, I had to remind myself to take one moment for myself – it was good advice I got from someone that if you do win it take that last moment to look back at the tunnel and just look at the scoreboard, look at the field, and just know you’re at the pinnacle of sports,” Ulrich told Montanasports.com in 2019. “And that’s quite an awesome feeling.”

The former Northwestern captain played in 10 games across two seasons with Indianapolis — five in each season — which marked his only two seasons in the NFL.

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“I’d love to tell you that I could have played for another decade. But the fact of the matter is, and I’ve probably said this to you before, that the NFL stands for ‘Not For Long.’ I was a guy who had to beat out a draft pick in 2005 and beat out another draft pick in 2006,” Ulrich told Montanasports.com.

“We won the Super Bowl that year, the 2007 Super Bowl 41. Went on to have another season in NFL Europe, came on to training camp with the Colts and just knew those roster spots are so slim and I tell the athletes I work with, have something past football.”

Ex-NFL player Matt Ulrich dies at the age of 41. pic.twitter.com/ah6BE1EAQ4

— Vision4theBlind (@Vision4theBlind) November 8, 2023

“Former Super Bowl Champion, Matt Ulrich, has passed away at the age of 41. Prior to his death, he was a player advisor for the Harvard Football Players Health study. Ulrich leaves behind four pre-teen sons. Cause of death has not yet been disclosed,” Texas Lindsay writes.

Breaking: Former Super Bowl Champion, Matt Ulrich, has passed away at the age of 41. Prior to his death, he was a player advisor for the Harvard Football Players Health study. Ulrich leaves behind four pre-teen sons. Cause of death has not yet been disclosed. pic.twitter.com/BrSYVQuSJy

— Te𝕏asLindsay™ (@TexasLindsay_) November 8, 2023

Per Fox News:

In his post-NFL career, he was co-founder of DexaFit – a company that utilizes technology to give people an analysis of their bodies – and was the chief growth officer and partner of Profitable Ideas Exchange, which helps businesses accelerate their growth and navigate the landscapes of their fields.

In his Profitable Ideas Exchange profile, the Illinois native wrote about how he lived a fulfilled life.

“Keeping up with my four pre-teen sons is the highlight of my life and keeps me on my toes,” the portion read. “I also invest my time in helping young athletes in our area reach their full potential through coaching and training – this is one of my true passions. I can also often be found at the gym, where I recently bench-pressed 505 pounds at the age of 40 – the goal-setting doesn’t stop!”

A cause of death was not given.

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