Packers Super Bowl champion speaks out following untimely death of teen son: ‘A special soul’

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga spoke out Thursday for the first time since it was revealed that his 17-year-old son, Julius, died earlier this week after reportedly suffering a severe asthma attack. 

Julius Poppinga, a junior at Westlake High School in Ventura County, California, and a member of the school's varsity football team, died after reportedly suffering a severe asthma attack.

Julius Poppinga, a junior at Westlake High School in Ventura County, California, and a member of the school's varsity football team, died after reportedly suffering a severe asthma attack. (Angel Ziese Photography)

"I would like to thank EVERYONE for their unbelievably beautiful, sweet and loving compassion sent our way," the NFL veteran said on X, formerly known as Twitter.  

SON OF SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BRADY POPPINGA DIES AFTER SUFFERING SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK: REPORTS

"Julius is a special soul who has touched so many lives. He is missed, but we KNOW that through the Savior, we will see him and be with him again."

According to the Ventura County Star, Julius was hospitalized after the asthma attack and also suffered a collapsed lung, which he did not recover from. 

Julius Poppinga is the son of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga. (Angel Ziese Photography)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Several former NFL players shared their condolences online, including former teammate Will Blackmon, who played for the Packers from 2006-2009.

Linebacker Brady Poppinga, #51 of the Green Bay Packers, defends against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 17, 2006 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Saints