Former Titan Rob Bironas, Terry Bradshaw’s son-in-law, died Saturday night

Terry Bradshaw missed Fox’s NFL Sunday coverage after his son-in-law Rob Bironas died in a car crash late Saturday night. Bironas recently married Bradshaw’s daughter, Rachel, in June of this year. Like his father-in-law, the 36-year-old played football and spent 9 years with the Tennessee Titans.

It’s w/ heavy hearts that we confirm the passing RB # 2 We appreciate your respect for the family’s privacy and your prayers at this time.

— Rob Bironas (@RobBironas) September 21, 2014

Fox released a statement saying, Bradshaw “flew to Nashville early this morning to be with his daughter Rachel during this tremendously difficult time.” The network added, “The entire FOX Sports family has Terry, Rachel, the Bironas and Bradshaw families in our thoughts and prayers.”

Reports by the Nashville police state that “the SUV traveled off the right side of the road and struck a line of trees before it came to rest upside down in a large culvert area.” After arriving to the crash, emergency personal transported Bironas “by ambulance to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.” He died less than a mile from his house.

Rob Bironas, ex-Titans kicker, killed in car crash at age 36 – http://t.co/fWxL7FMWEt pic.twitter.com/VQGQAkjHA8

— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 21, 2014

According to The Tennessean, the former Titan definitely made a mark in the sports world, on and off the field, no matter if cut or not. “In 2008, he started the Rob Bironas Fund, which donated to organizations focused on supporting children.” The paper also reports that Bironas worked out with Detroit Lions earlier this week and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding his expertise to the field.

And expertise? Bironas had. At 1,032 points in the nine years with Tennessee, he was the second highest top-scorer in the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans organization–falling behind Al Del Greco by only 28 points. Within the league, his 85.7 percent average placed him fourth in accuracy of all-time records. In 2006, his 60-yarder against the Indianapolis Colts remains the longest field goal in organization history.

Trending: Former NFL kicker Rob Bironas killed in overnight crash http://t.co/iuYg7P0KLF pic.twitter.com/VF7DoY2h71

— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) September 21, 2014

“We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from last night about Rob Bironas.”

The Titans organization released a statement early Sunday morning. “Rob made a significant impact as a player in his nine years with the team and more importantly touched many lives in the Nashville community off the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Rachel, and his family during this very difficult time.”

And the sports world flooded social media with responses and condolences for family. Many former teammates or those who looked up to the Louisville native as a role model.

Prayers to the family of Rob Bironas. Always a pleasure to visit with when we visited @TennesseeTitans So sad.

— MikeTirico (@miketirico) September 21, 2014

When i came in as a rookie Rob Bironas made me feel welcome and was a GREAT friend.. I looked at him as a big bro. #RIPRobBironas

— Mike Martin (@GoMikeMartin) September 21, 2014

Rest in peace to my former teammate Rob Bironas. Prayers go up for his family, friends, and loved ones. You will def be missed! (J-Mac)

— Devin+Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) September 21, 2014

Sad day, @RobBironas did some great things for @teammates4kids always enjoyed hanging with him at the event… You will be missed

— George Parros (@GeorgeParros) September 21, 2014

I met Rob Bironas my first week in Nashville, great kicker, great guy! RIP RB2!

— brian mcgrattan (@bigern10) September 21, 2014

Stephen Tulloch posted a message on Instagram with a smiling picture of the player. “I don’t believe it. I can’t believe it. My good friend and teammate Rob Bironas passed away last night. I’ve known Rob for many years and shared a lot of stories together. Just sick over this. A great person on and off the field. My prayers go out to Rob and his family.”

Titans’ quarterback Jake Locker spoke with ESPN about his former teammate. “Rob was a real charismatic guy that always kind of brought smiles to people’s faces around the building, around this team.” And thoughts weren’t far from loved ones, either. “You feel for him, you feel for the loved ones that unfortunately are left behind now. You just pray that in some way they can be stringer and find a positive out of it.”

I am extremely saddened to hear of Rob Bironas’ passing. I always looked up to him as a kicker and as a man as well. pic.twitter.com/HFCLhEABpr

— Graham Gano (@GrahamGano) September 21, 2014

In December 2006, Bironas opened up about what he really wanted in life, after not being in the NFL straight out of college like so many players. “To play in the NFL was the ultimate goal.”

Rob Bironas played for the NFL and he represented the league off-field, too. A man who was treasured by teammates, fans, and organizations alike.

Rest in peace.