Former NFL defensive end John Thierry died Friday after suffering a heart attack. He was 46.

"It is with deep and profound sadness we report the passing of Alcornite and 1994 NFL 1st Round Draftee, John Thierry '94," Alcorn State University said in a statement. "The Alcorn family extends its sincere condolences to his family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Thierry recorded 33.5 sacks in nine NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and with the Chicago Bears. 

"That's the last time I saw him, and he looked good, damn good for his age," former teammate James Williams told the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, referring to a Bears alumni weekend in September. "We hung out that weekend. This is a shock. I feel bad for everybody."

The Bears issued a statement offering their thoughts to Thierry and his family.