Jovan Belcher had advanced from an undrafted free agent linebacker to NFL starter for the Kansas City Chiefs and played in every game since 2009. On Saturday, December 1, 2012, the 25-year-old star allegedly killed his girlfriend, then drove to the Chiefs' practice facility and took his own life. After the tragedy, teammate Tony Moeaki tweeted, "One of everyone's favorite teammates including one of mine." Here's a look at his career with the Chiefs and tragic end:
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Jovan Belcher had advanced from an undrafted free agent linebacker to NFL starter for the Kansas City Chiefs and played in every game since 2009. On Saturday, December 1, 2012, the 25-year-old star allegedly killed his girlfriend, then drove to the Chiefs' practice facility and took his own life. After the tragedy, teammate Tony Moeaki tweeted, "One of everyone's favorite teammates including one of mine." Here's a look at his career with the Chiefs and tragic end:
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The Kansas City Chiefs kneel and pray before a game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
The Kansas City Chiefs kneel and pray before a game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Natalie Samson wears the No. 59 jersey, which was Jovan Belcher's number, as she stands for a moment of silence.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Natalie Samson wears the No. 59 jersey, which was Jovan Belcher's number, as she stands for a moment of silence.
John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT
Players from the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers gather at midfield for a prayer after the Chiefs' 27-21 win.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Players from the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers gather at midfield for a prayer after the Chiefs' 27-21 win.
John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT
A young fan holds a condolences sign for the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the team's game against the Carolina Panthers.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
A young fan holds a condolences sign for the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the team's game against the Carolina Panthers.
David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT
Before their game against the Carolina Pathers, the Kansas City Chiefs pause for a moment of silence.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Before their game against the Carolina Pathers, the Kansas City Chiefs pause for a moment of silence.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
After Belcher and his girlfriend's deaths, flags wave in the wind outside of The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex used by the Kansas City Chiefs next to Arrowhead Stadium, on Saturday, December 1, 2012.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
After Belcher and his girlfriend's deaths, flags wave in the wind outside of The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex used by the Kansas City Chiefs next to Arrowhead Stadium, on Saturday, December 1, 2012.
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
No. 59 Belcher battles guard Clint Boling of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 18, 2012 in Kansas City.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
No. 59 Belcher battles guard Clint Boling of the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 18, 2012 in Kansas City.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Belcher stretches before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009, in Kansas City.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher stretches before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009, in Kansas City.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The residence of Kasandra Perkins, Belcher's girlfriend, is seen on December 1, 2012, in Kansas City.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
The residence of Kasandra Perkins, Belcher's girlfriend, is seen on December 1, 2012, in Kansas City.
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Belcher during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 9, 2012.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 9, 2012.
David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images
Belcher brings down Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on October 31, 2010.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher brings down Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on October 31, 2010.
Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images
Belcher cools off from temperatures over 100 degrees during a training camp practice on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, on August 1, 2011.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher cools off from temperatures over 100 degrees during a training camp practice on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, on August 1, 2011.
David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images/File
The linebacker after a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 12, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Chiefs 16-13.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
The linebacker after a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 12, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Chiefs 16-13.
George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Belcher watches from the sidelines during his final game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on November 25, 2012.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher watches from the sidelines during his final game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on November 25, 2012.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Belcher in action during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at on November 18, 2012, in Kansas City.
'One of everyone's favorite teammates' —
Belcher in action during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at on November 18, 2012, in Kansas City.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images