The sports world woke up to devastating news Thursday morning as reports confirmed a fatal UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, sending shockwaves across the nation and the NFL community.
The massive MD-11 aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, erupting into flames upon impact near a truck stop just a few miles from the runway. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the tragedy was overwhelming.
Among the few passengers on board was later confirmed to be a relative of Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love — a detail that transformed a national tragedy into a deeply personal heartbreak for one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.
“WHEN I GOT THE CALL, MY HEART JUST STOPPED. FOOTBALL DIDN’T MATTER ANYMORE — ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS FAMILY, LOVE, AND HOW FRAGILE LIFE REALLY IS. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR LAST GOODBYE WILL BE.”
Those words, shared privately and later echoed by team insiders, captured the raw emotion Love felt upon learning of the loss. The 26-year-old quarterback reportedly left practice early, holding back tears as teammates stood in silence.
Head coach Matt LaFleur gathered the team in a huddle moments later. Reporters described a powerful scene — helmets off, eyes lowered, and no words spoken for several minutes, only quiet reflection and grief.
LaFleur’s decision afterward moved the entire league. He canceled the remainder of the team’s practice, instructing players to go home, be with loved ones, and “remember what truly matters.” It was a gesture that resonated deeply.
NFL players across teams — from Patrick Mahomes to Dak Prescott — sent messages of support to Love, reminding him that the football field is a brotherhood that stands together through loss and pain.
Fans flooded social media with messages of love and prayers for the Packers quarterback and his family. The hashtag #LoveStrong quickly trended nationwide, uniting both rivals and supporters under one heartfelt message.
The Packers organization released a brief statement expressing “profound sorrow” and pledging to stand by Jordan Love during this unimaginable time. The team flag outside Lambeau Field was lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims.
Investigators from the NTSB and FAA have since launched a full inquiry into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest mechanical failure may have played a role, but details remain under review as families seek answers.
As the sun set over Green Bay Thursday evening, players quietly returned to the facility to light candles near the locker room entrance. For Jordan Love and the Packers, the season continues — but nothing will ever feel quite the same again.
