The UNH community is mourning the untimely demise of Chris Jeannot, an athlete in his own right, a hard-working student, and a teammate who really made a difference to everyone he met.
Chris graduated in 2011 and died suddenly, a huge shock that broke his parents, friends, and the UNH Wildcats football family.
Chris was an extraordinary tight end for the Wildcat, some 6-6 and 261 pounds. I can remember seeing some of his games back when I was in college; there was just no way you could miss that guy in the action. Just imagine how crazy awesome it is to have set the team record for catches by a tight end with 12 catches in a single game!
With the young quarterbacks Rick Toman and Kevin Decker, he delivered key plays in big games, including some unforgettable performances against Pittsburgh and UMass. Those moments are solidified in the memory of the fans and teammates alike.
He was also a serious student off the field. In 2010-2011, he received the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award and was named to several academic teams. Many people called him the Gentle Giant, not just for his size but also for his kind spirit, a constant smile, and for always building up his teammates.
Chris was born on February 5, 1989, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, to his parents, Mike and Jo Jeannot. He attended Moon Area High School and excelled in football and basketball, leading the latter to three WPIAL championships.
At UNH, he majored in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science. Juggling such hard academics and football is so hard, but Chris was dedicated and did just that. For anybody who knew him personally, it was really an inspiration to watch him do it.
Chris’s impact on people is evidenced in the outpouring of reactions from friends, teammates, and alumni online. Kindness, leadership, and uplifting others were the traits constantly spoken of; for some, it was unforgettable plays on the field, and for others, it was the generosity and good heart he showed on the field.
“Very sad, and a life taken far too soon. My condolences go out to the Jeannot family,” wrote Bobby Jean, a UNH football alumnus. Kevin Peters declared on Facebook that Chris was an “awesome teammate, great guy,” while countless others said, “Chris was simply the best; he will be missed.”
Chris Jeannot’s life epitomized commitment, humility, and excellence in all his endeavors. The monumental athletic feats he achieved, academic accomplishments, and warmth to all around him make his death even more difficult to comprehend.
The community at UNH and all who had the pleasure of knowing Chris will take this memory with them, each holding tightly to the memory of one man dearly taken from us. He will forever be cherished, not only as an athlete and student but as the “Gentle Giant” who impacted many lives. You may also be interested in: 13-Year-Old Football Player Roman Sutton Missing in Aberdeen
