ESPN reports that former Chicago Bears defensive end John Thierry died on Saturday. He was 46.

"The Chicago Bears offer their deepest condolences on the passing of former linebacker John Thierry," the team said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family."

According to ESPN, Thierry played the first five years of his nine-year-career with the Bears after being drafted 11th overall in 1994 out of Alcorn State. Thierry also played for the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers before retiring in 2002.

KATC reports that Thierry, a native of St. Landry Parish, died in Opelousas of a heart attack.