The sports community is mourning the loss of Jeff Trojan Stanford, a former Stanford University wide receiver and Edison High School standout, who passed away at the age of 33. The heartbreaking news was first reported on April 11 and 12 by members of the football community, including longtime journalist Eric Sondheimer, who described Jeff as “beloved by former Edison coach Dave White.”
According to reports shared on X formerly Twitter, Jeff had recently begun his career as an orthopedic surgeon before his untimely passing. He had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurological disease.
Born on December 30, 1991, in Mission Viejo, California, Jeff was the son of Dean Trojan and Beth McCombs. He grew up in a close-knit family with three younger siblings: Connor, Kyle, and Katie. From an early age, Jeff displayed not only athletic ability but also an exceptional work ethic and drive, qualities that would define his career both on and off the field.
At Edison High School, Jeff became one of the program’s standout players under legendary coach Dave White. A three-year varsity letterwinner, he excelled as both a wide receiver and safety. He earned first team All-Sunset League honors twice, was named All-CIF Pac-5 Division first team as a senior, and received the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award.
His statistics were equally impressive: 58 receptions for 879 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season, and a career total of 88 receptions for 1,360 yards and 12 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded six interceptions and blocked three field goals as a senior. His performance tied Edison’s single-game record with 13 receptions, solidifying his place as one of the most reliable receivers in the school’s history.
He also lettered in basketball and twice received the Character Coalition Award, a testament to his leadership and integrity off the field.
Jeff continued his academic and athletic journey at Stanford University, majoring in human biology while competing at the highest level of college football. Though he redshirted his freshman and sophomore years, his persistence paid off as he carved out a role on the team.
In 2012, he was awarded the Greg Piers Service Team Award on special teams, underscoring his dedication to the program.
By 2013, as a senior, Jeff appeared in all 14 games, catching six passes for 50 yards. His contributions went beyond the stat sheet — most notably, he recovered two crucial onside kicks that sealed Stanford’s victory over Oregon, one of the program’s defining wins of that era.
As a fifth-year senior in 2014, Jeff played in 13 games, recording 12 catches for 77 yards. He earned Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention honors in both 2013 and 2014, balancing the demands of Division I football with rigorous academic excellence.
After graduating, Jeff pursued his passion for medicine, dedicating himself to becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Friends and colleagues remember him as someone who combined intelligence, compassion, and discipline — qualities that made him as effective in the hospital as he had been on the football field.
Tributes Floods:-
News of Jeff’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and members of both the Edison and Stanford communities.
Eric Sondheimer, veteran high school sports reporter, wrote:
“Sad news about former Edison and Stanford football player Jeff Trojan dying at 33 years old. He was beloved by former Edison coach Dave White. He just became an orthopedic surgeon. Had ALS.”
The account Stanford Football Updates expressed the program’s grief:
“Saddened to hear the news that former Stanford player Jeff Trojan has passed away. He was only 33.”
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jeff will be remembered for his character — an athlete, scholar, doctor, and friend who touched countless lives through his humility, perseverance, and kindness.
He is survived by his parents, Dean Trojan and Beth McCombs, his brothers Connor and Kyle, and his sister Katie.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Trojan family and all who knew Jeff during this time of profound loss.
