Jared Lorenzen, the former University of Kentucky quarterback who later launched a personal weight loss project, died Wednesday in Lexington from complications of an infection and obesity-related heart and kidney problems. He was 38.
Lorenzen was a standout football and basketball player at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas where he led the Bluebirds to a state football title and Sweet 16 basketball appearance. He was named Kentucky Mr. Football in 1998.
He attended Kentucky where he was named the starting quarterback in a move that caused returning starter Dusty Bonner to transfer. During his time at UK, he set new school records in passing yards (10,354) and passing touchdowns (78).
Lorenzen was a member of the New York Giants on an off from 2004-07 with a stint in NFL Europe in 2005. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants following the 2007 season.
After his college career, Lorenzen’s weight became an issue. He checked in at over 500 pounds at one point and launched “The Jared Lorenzen Project” in 2017 where he documented his attempts to lose weight. He spoke at several schools across the state in cooperation with local health departments. In February 2018, Lorenzen brought his project to Trigg County High School.
In less than a year, Lorenzen had lost over 100 pounds. However, he was admitted to a Lexington hospital on June 28 with an infection and other related medical issues. He was not able to recover.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
