Jets and Ravens' Konrad Reuland dies from brain aneurysm aged 29

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Konrad Reuland played for the 49ers, the Jets, the Ravens and the Colts
Reuland had been a free agent since August when he was released by the Colts
He died of a brain aneurysm - ruptured blood vessel which caused hemorrhage
Around 500,000 people worldwide every year die from brain aneurysms

Published: 05:12 EST, 13 December 2016 | Updated: 08:06 EST, 13 December 2016

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Tributes have been coming in for former NFL player Konrad Reuland, who has died of a brain aneurysm, aged just 29.

Reuland, a tight end, was a squad player for most of his career but his best spell was in 2012 when he caught 11 passes for 83 yards with the New York Jets.

He also spent a year with the Baltimore Ravens, from 2014 to 2015 and after their game against the Patriots last night head coach John Harbaugh broke the news of Reuland's death.

Konrad Reuland is seen above right during a game in September 2013 and, left, during a portrait session in the same month

Stanford, where Reuland played college football, tweeted: 'We have lost a bright light in our beloved brother, Konrad Reuland. His memory and spirit will never leave us. We love you. #RIPKonrad.'

Justin Forsett, who played with Reuland at Baltimore, tweeted: 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend & former teammate Konrad Reuland. You will be missed bro just an amazing person! #RIP'

Reuland was born in Springfield, Ohio, but went to high school in California and joined the 49ers after college in 2011.

He played for the Jets, the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens and went back to the Colts in July this year, but was released a month later.

Sports writer Dennis Waszak Jr. tweeted: 'A rough year for #Jets family: Winston Hill, Curley Johnson, Cary Blanchard, Dennis Byrd, Joe McKnight & Konrad Reuland all passed away.'

Konrad Reuland (pictured during his spell at the Jets) was a tight end who never really fulfilled his potential but was popular in several NFL locker rooms

Giacomo Vitko, who played high school football with Reuland in Mission Viejo, posted on Instagram: 'RIP my brother, miss our pre-game rituals of butting heads before each game. It has been a pleasure being your teammate and friend here on Earth....I'm going to miss you my brother. Diablo for life!'

An aneurysm is an abnormal, weak spot on a blood vessel. If it ruptures it can cause a hemorrhage and sometimes death.

An estimated 500,000 people worldwide each year die from brain aneurysms and half the victims are younger than 50.

It is estimated one in 50 people in the United States will develop a brain aneurysm during their lifetime.

There is no medical evidence that people who suffer head injuries - such as those suffered by NFL players - are at heightened risk of developing an aneurysm.