College football player 20, son of former Pittsburg Steelers star Jamain Stephens dies from coronavirus complications

  • Jamain Stephens, 20, of Pittsburgh, died of Covid-19 complications Tuesday 
  • California University of Pennsylvania has paid tribute to the defensive linesman
  • Former teammate AJ Beatty said he was 'kind, intelligent, funny' and 'electric'

By Joe Davies For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A California University of Pennsylvania college football player has died has died after suffering complications from coronavirus.

Jamain Stephens, 20, the son of the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle by the same name, passed away Tuesday.

The defensive linesman from Pittsburgh known as 'Juice' died shortly before his 21st birthday on September 21. 

Athletic Director Dr Karen Hjerpe said: 'Jamain was such a wonderful student with a smile on his face every time you saw him.

California University of Pennsylvania college football player Jamain Stephens, 20, the son of the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle by the same name, passed away Tuesday from coronavirus complications

California University of Pennsylvania college football player Jamain Stephens, 20, the son of the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle by the same name, passed away Tuesday from coronavirus complications

Jamain's high school football coach, Terry Totten, said Jamain 'lit up a room', while his former high school teammate paid tribute to his 'positive energy'

Jamain's high school football coach, Terry Totten, said Jamain 'lit up a room', while his former high school teammate paid tribute to his 'positive energy'

'His personality was contagious and he made such a positive impact on everyone he met.'

His high school football coach, Terry Totten, said Jamain 'lit up a room', while his former high school teammate spoke about his 'positive energy'.

AJ Beatty told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: 'Every single person at Central knew "Juice". He had the ability to take over an entire room of people with his positive energy. 

'One of the few people in life that you will meet that there’s nothing to say bad about. He was one heck of a kid. Kind, intelligent, funny. He was electric.

The defensive linesman from Pittsburgh known as 'Juice' died shortly before his 21st birthday on September 21 and California University of Pennsylvania has paid tribute to the 6ft 3in athlete

The defensive linesman from Pittsburgh known as 'Juice' died shortly before his 21st birthday on September 21 and California University of Pennsylvania has paid tribute to the 6ft 3in athlete

'Did so much for the Central community. It was truly amazing. Such an awesome person all around.'

Central Catholic assistant football coach Dave Fleming added Jamain was 'the best soul I've ever coached'. 

Jamain was a defensive lineman for the Central Catholic High School Vikings, winning two WPIAL championships and a state championship in 2015. 

He went on to continue his football career at California University of Pennsylvania, where he played 32 games for the football team from 2017-19, and majored in Business Administration. 

Jamain's father (pictured playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1998), 46, played five seasons in the NFL in the mid-90s and he also leaves behind his mother, Kelly Allen, and two siblings

Jamain's father (pictured playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 1998), 46, played five seasons in the NFL in the mid-90s and he also leaves behind his mother, Kelly Allen, and two siblings

Central Catholic High School, where Stephens graduated in 2017, added that he remained supportive of the school after leaving for college.

The school said: 'Jamain was an avid Central Catholic supporter, and could often be found cheering on the Vikings and sending videos and messages of support and encouragement to his younger Viking brothers.'

His father, 46, played five seasons in the NFL in the mid-90s and Jamain also leaves behind his mother, Kelly Allen, and two siblings.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $10,000 to contribute towards Jamain's funeral costs.

CaliforniaCovid-19Pittsburgh Steelers

Most watched News videos