Former Bay Area college football player dies at 25 after motorcycle crash

Former San Jose State football player Jelani Newman has died at 25 following what a friend described as a “sudden motorcycle accident.”

Domenica Civitano, a friend of Newman’s, is raising money through a GoFundMe campaign to help his family pay for memorial and burial expenses. 

San Jose State’s football program also paid tribute to Newman on Sept. 23, posting a photo of his No. 72 jersey.

“Our hearts are with the Newman Family during this time. Forever in our hearts ,” the team wrote.

Former San Jose State football player Jelani Newman has died at 25 following what a friend described as a sudden motorcycle accident. Newman played offensive line for the Spartans from 2019 through 2022 and wore No. 72. (GoFundMe)

Newman joined the Spartans after a standout high school career at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. San Jose State announced his signing in December 2018.

He played along the offensive line for San Jose State from 2019 through 2022. He redshirted his first season, made his major college debut in the 2020 Arizona Bowl and appeared in all 12 games during the 2021 season. 

Newman was a two-time Arizona Interscholastic Association first-team All-Region 4A selection at Saguaro and was named a first-team all-state Class 4A player in 2018, according to his San Jose State biography. He also competed in track and field, throwing the shot put and discus.

His college biography said Newman was studying business administration and hoped to become a general manager of a professional sports franchise. 

A detailed account of the crash was not immediately available.