Matt Ulrich’s death sparks COVID vaccine conspiracy theories

After former American professional football player Matt Ulrich died at the age of 41 on Wednesday, his death has sparked the conspiracy theory that it was due to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ulrich was an offensive guard for the Indianapolis Colts for two seasons. His final game on an NFL roster was February 4, 2007, when he helped the Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17 to win the Super Bowl. At the time of his death, Ulrich was a player advisor for Harvard’s Football Players Health Study and the head coach for Mountain Edge Athletics in Bozeman, Montana.

The Colts’ team owner—Jim Irsay—was the one to share the news, and a cause of death was not given. He wrote on social media on Wednesday: “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.”

Newsweek reached out to the Indianapolis Colts for comment via email on Friday.

However, people have come to their own conclusions, attributing his death to the COVID-19 vaccine. People have shared their theories on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“EX-NFL PLAYER DIES SUDDENLY AT 41. Praying for everyone who took (or was forced to take) an experimental mRNA jab that damages the heart,” one person wrote.

“41-year-old NFL football player, Super Bowl champion and retired Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Matt Ulrich died on November 8, 2023. Cause of death not reported. COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Sudden deaths are at an all-time high,” said another.

A third added: “So sad. So young. I assume vax, until proven otherwise.”

While another wrote: “Super Bowl champ Matt Ulrich dead at 41 / poison vaccine strikes again.”

Despite claims that Ulrich was fully vaccinated, there isn’t any evidence that he ever received the COVID-19 vaccine. It is possible that Ulrich was unvaccinated.

While Ulrich retired from the NFL in 2007, there is currently no vaccine mandate for players, although the league reported approximately 95 percent of the players and nearly 100 percent of team personnel were vaccinated.

Rich Bianco, a man claiming to be Ulrich’s cousin, took to X to try and stop the spread of misinformation. He wrote: “#MattUlrich Ex NFL Super Bowl Lineman is dead at 41. He’s my cousin and he didn’t die from the shot like a lot of people are saying. Please stop the rumors. Will miss you Matt.”

Ulrich’s wife, Alison Ulrich, penned an emotional message to the late Super Bowl champion on Facebook.

“Our beloved, one-of-a-kind Matt has passed away and is in a better place,” she wrote.

“Matt, we love you so so much. You are profoundly missed. We all want you back for just one more day. One more hug. One more kiss. One more laugh. One more joke. One more wrestle with the boys. It seems impossible to do this life without you.

“Please pray for peace and comfort for the boys. They have lost their greatest fan, coach and friend.”

In the wake of the devastating news, an online fundraiser has been launched to help support Ulrich’s family. At the time of writing, more than $53,000 has been raised on the GiveSendGo platform.