Bold opening: A devastating family loss prompts a national outpouring of prayers and support for Super Bowl champion quarterback Brian Hoyer and his loved ones.
Sports News - Published February 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
By Matt Connolly | mconnolly@pennlive.com
Prayers are flooding in for Brian Hoyer, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and his family as they mourn an unexpected death within their circle.
Hoyer recently shared that his sister-in-law, Carissa Hoyer, died suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this month. She was 36 years old.
Carissa was married to Brian Hoyer’s younger brother, Brett. She leaves behind four daughters, all under the age of 12.
To support Brett and his four daughters during this unimaginable loss, Brian and his brother Matthew Hoyer started a GoFundMe page. The fundraiser aimed to raise $100,000 to help the family cope with the sudden tragedy.
On GoFundMe, the brothers wrote: “Our brother Brett and his four daughters are facing an unimaginable loss. On February 13, 2026, Carissa Rae Hoyer was suddenly called home to the Lord at the age of 36. Cari was a strong and courageous woman who dearly loved her family. Raised in a loving home herself, she cherished the opportunity to build a family of her own. She truly felt called to be a wife and mother, and she embraced that role with her whole heart.”
As of Friday night, the fundraiser has surpassed its goal, raising nearly $150,000.
Brian Hoyer publicly expressed gratitude on X (formerly Twitter) for the donations, prayers, and support offered to Brett and the family during this difficult time. Journalists and colleagues also shared their condolences and prayers for Hoyer and his family.
Boston reporter Kayla Burton commented: “Ugh Brian, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.”
Fellow reporter Lindsay Rhodes added: “Brian, I’m so, so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to your family. Sending love.”
About the author: Matt Connolly is a Sports Trending Reporter for PennLive, covering NFL, college sports, and more. He has provided coverage of college football and basketball since 2010, including work on the Clemson beat.
Controversy or discussion hook: This story highlights how a single family tragedy can spark a wide public response and philanthropic efforts from unexpected places. It also raises questions about the balance between public admiration for athletes and personal hardship—how much of an athlete’s private grief should be shared with the public? What are your thoughts on public figures compartmentalizing personal tragedy from their professional personas? Should fans and media treat personal loss as private, or is shared support a meaningful part of the social contract around public athletes?
