AUBURN, Ala. — Quentin Groves, a popular Auburn player who was known for his sacks and his smile, passed away his sleep in his wife's homeland of Trinidad over the weekend. He was 32.
"Saddened by the passing of a teammate and tremendously talented and passionate human being, Quentin Groves. Please pray for his family," wrote former teammate Andrew McCain on Twitter.
Quentin Groves played for Auburn from 2004 to 2007.
Groves was a high-profile signee for Auburn from Greenville, Miss., in 2003, and played for the Tigers from 2004-07. His 26 career sacks is tied for the school record.
He was a second-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed with seven NFL teams from 2008-2014. His last bid for NFL playing time came in 2015 with the Buffalo Bills.
Groves was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which causes a rapid heartbeat, at the NFL Combine in 2008. He had surgery to minimize the problem before the draft.
The Auburn Family is deeply saddened by the passing of AU great Quentin Groves. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/fOoMZrx2nC
— Auburn Football (@FootballAU) October 15, 2016
"It's an extra circuit in the heart, and it speeds up your heartbeat, it's nothing too critical, but you have to take care of it," Groves said at the time.
He made his mark at Auburn, and was a member of a senior class that won 50 games in their career."Quentin Groves was fun to watch. Loved Auburn. Treated others with respect. He will be missed," tweeted former Tiger Cole Cubelic on Saturday morning.
Quentin Groves left Auburn to play in the NFL.
"RIP to my Brother Quentin Groves!!" wrote teammate Zac Etheridge. "Man I'm in disbelief I just talked to you!! I learned so much from you in our time at Auburn together!!!"
Groves met his wife, Teska Baptiste, at Auburn when he played football and she ran track. He is survived by his wife and two children, Que'Mani Kassan Shiloh and Que'Jaah.
