New York Giants

Giants LB Mark Herzlich talks about the loss of his friend Tyler Sash

Published Sep. 10, 2015 11:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich created a strong bond with former Giants safety Tyler Sash, who recently passed away in his hometown at just 27 years old. They were friends, teammates and they lived together as early as their rookie season.

"We all went through the same stuff our rookie year,'' said Herzlich, per Newsday. "We weren't just buddies on the field. We lived together. We went out together.''

Herzlich was shocked when he first heard the news that Sash had passed away. The two had last hung out as recently as March of 2015.

"I was trying not to believe it at first,'' he said. "I saw him in March, when I was doing some speaking engagement in Des Moines. He stopped by with his girlfriend. He seemed happy and healthy. I never would have imagined at that point that anything would happen.'

"He was doing OK as far as I knew,'' said Herzlich. "He went back home to Iowa and was in Oskaloosa, where he grew up. He had a house there, a dog, family and friends, and he was doing some announcing for Hawkeyes football.'