Former Oakland Raiders and Florida Gators linebacker Neiron Ball died at 27 after battling a rare brain condition.

While at the University of Florida, Ball was diagnosed with a rare, congenital condition called an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), in which the brain's blood vessels get tangled and rupture. He underwent emergency surgery after doctors found bleeding on his brain and he sat out the 2011 season. Despite these setbacks, Ball continued to thrive with the Gators and was drafted to the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Ball played five games with the Raiders before a knee injury derailed his career. 

Last December, Ball suffered a brain aneurysm and was placed in a medically induced coma. His family released a statement revealing that he was not in a coma for months, with Ball's sister, Natalie Myricks, revealing that he was making non-verbal communication with his family. 

Myricks told Atlanta's Fox 5 in July, "He hasn't been in a coma several months. He cries. I tell him to blink two times for yes. He sticks out his tongue. He does more for my husband than me, but that's always been the case. He can track with his eyes, but he can't move his legs, arms or neck. He's developed bed sores because he has to be turned every two hours."

On Monday (September 9) morning the family released a statement, which read, "Neiron was a very special and loving father, brother, and teammate. Neiron has transitioned to a place of peace."

Tributes came from NFL players, the Florida Gators, and The Sports & Entertainment Group, the agency that represented Ball. They released a statement, which read, "We join the Ball family in thanking the numerous supporters of Neiron and his journey to recovery. Neiron was a rare and special spirit with the ability to touch anyone he met. His talent was met with relentless drive, no matter the obstacle... Neiron was a loving and cherished father, brother, and teammate. He will be missed dearly."

Source: ESPN