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Former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer and his family are mourning a loved one who died “suddenly and unexpectedly.”
In a social media post, Hoyer revealed that his sister-in-law, Carissa, died last Friday. She was 36 years old. Details of Carissa’s death were not immediately released.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this,” Hoyer captioned an Instagram post. Carissa is survived by Brian’s brother, Brett Hoyer, and their four young daughters.
“In an instant, he became a widower and the father of four daughters under the age of 12,” added the former New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer raises his fist after the Raiders defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on October 15, 2023. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA Today Sports)
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign for financial support and Hoyer shared information about the fundraiser on his social media platform. The campaign is asking for $100,000. As of Thursday evening, the fund had exceeded its donation goal.
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The GoFundMe description describes Carissa as “a strong, courageous woman who loved her family deeply” and who “cherished the opportunity to start her own family.”
“She truly felt called to be a wife and mother, and she embraced that role with all her heart,” the tribute reads. “She was the heart and soul of their home, a constant source of encouragement, faith, warmth and unconditional love through every challenge and joy.”
Brian Hoyer of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 10, 2023. (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The financial support is intended to “help alleviate the day-to-day pressures as Brett takes on the role of a single parent.”
“Our hope is simple. We want Brett to be able to focus on loving his daughters, grieving together, and beginning the long healing process without the constant weight of financial stress,” the description continues. “We can’t take away their pain, but together we can help them bear this weight.”
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer throws a pass during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 2, 2022. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today Sports)
Brian’s other brother, Matthew, expressed his gratitude for all the support the family has received.
“There truly are no words to fully express what this means to our family,” he wrote.
Hoyer last appeared in an NFL game in 2023 with the Raiders. He debuted with the Patriots in 2009 and returned to the franchise in 2024 as a member of its broadcast team.
