Max Tuerk, a former center at USC who played for the Chargers for two seasons, has died, USC announced on Sunday.
“#FightOnForever, Max Tuerk,” the USC athletic department tweeted. “The Trojan Family is terribly saddened by the news of Tuerk’s passing, gone too soon at the age of 26, and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family.”
A cause of death was not disclosed, but Tuerk died on Saturday while hiking with his parents in Cleveland National Forest on “a favorite trail”, his parents said in a statement released by USC.
“Max loved his teammates, coaches and schools,” the statement read. “Max was a loving son and older brother and his passing leaves a giant hole in our hearts. His strength and work ethic is an inspiration to many.”
“Heartbroken by the loss of Max Tuerk,” USC head coach Clay Helton shared on Twitter. “Incredible person, teammate, and Trojan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
A two-way lineman at Santa Margarita High, Tuerk helped lead the Eagles to a CIF Division 1 state championship in 2011 as a senior. He then enrolled at USC, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2012 as he became the first-ever true freshman to start at left tackle for the Trojans.
By playing college football, Tuerk followed in the footsteps of his father, Greg, who played tight end for Brown University.
During his time at USC, Tuerk played several positions on USC’s offensive line. The Trojans went to four bowl games during Tuerk’s tenure, going 2-2 in the postseason.
After four years with the Trojans, earning first-team All-Pac-12 as a junior, Tuerk was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, going 66th overall. But a knee injury kept him on the inactive list his entire rookie season.
He was on the Chargers for two seasons, joining the practice squad in 2017. Prior to that season, Tuerk was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, a violation he blamed on over-the-counter products.
Later in 2017, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad but was cut in 2018. He had not been a part of an NFL roster since then.
Several of Tuerk’s former teammates and coaches took to Twitter to mourn his loss, including Jurrell Casey, Chuma Edoga, Viane Talamaivao, Kris Albarado and Dion Bailey.
“Just got some terrible news,” Bailey tweeted. “Damn, man, RIP Max Tuerk! Gone too soon.”
“I thought 2020 couldn’t get much worse. #RIP to one of the most passionate teammates,” Albarado tweeted.
USC offensive line coach Tim Drevno, who coached Tuerk in 2014, shared his thoughts, too.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Tuerk family through these trying times,” Drevno tweeted. “Max was an unbelievable player, leader and teammate. He embodied what it is to be a Trojan! I was honored to coach and be around such an amazing spirit!”
