Former NFL star and ESPN host Keyshawn Johnson announces death of 25-year-old daughter

‘Our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time’

ESPN host and Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson has announced the death of his 25-year-old daughter with a touching tribute on social media.

On Monday, Johnson, 48, who works as a radio host and American football analyst for ESPN, announced via his Twitter account that his oldest daughter Maia had died at the age of 25.

“It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful daughter Maia. Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life,” Johnson wrote on Monday.

The former wide receiver added: “She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us.”

Johnson then thanked his followers for their support, adding in a follow-up tweet: “We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“We also all appreciate your support and respect for our privacy as we move forward. Thank you all, God Bless.”

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Maia was Johnson’t first child with his ex-wife Shikiri Hightower, who he was married to between 1998 and 2002.

Johnson has three other children, Keyshawn Jr, 22, who he had with Ms Hightower before their divorce, and London and Vance who he shares with his current wife Jennifer Conrad.

The 48-year-old started his NFL career with the New York Jets in 1996, before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000, becoming a key member of its Super Bowl XXXVII winning team.

Johnson later had stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers during his 11-year career, earning selection to the Pro Bowl three times.

After a short stint with the Panthers, Johnson retired in 2007 and joined ESPN as an analyst later that year, before also branching out into radio for the broadcaster.