Gavin Escobar (1991–2022), former Dallas Cowboys tight end

Gavin Escobar was a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys from 2013 to 2016.

• Died: September 28, 2022 (Who else died on September 28?)
• Details of death: Died in a rock-climbing accident in the San Bernardino National Forest at the age of 31.
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Football career

Escobar played college football for San Diego State University, though he was unable to play during his freshman year as he fought testicular cancer. He was a two-time All-MWC selection. In 2013, he was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the NFL Draft. Escobar played four seasons for the Cowboys, suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in 2015. After being released from the Cowboys in 2016, he briefly played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins before ending his career with the Alliance of American Football team the San Diego Fleet. After leaving football, Escobar was a firefighter in Long Beach, California.

Escobar on being drafted by the Cowboys

“I’m still trying to let it soak in being a Cowboy now. It was kind of a little sigh of relief finally getting to this point in my life and kind of a dream come true. It was great, not having to wait anymore. It was just exciting all in all.” —from a 2013 interview for the Orange County Register

Tributes to Gavin Escobar

Full obituary: The Washington Post

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