Chargers' Brandon Mebane Set to Play with Heavy Heart Following Loss of Daughter

Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane revealed his daughter Makenna died on Jan. 3, according to ESPN.com’s Eric Williams.

Brandon Mebane has missed time over the past few months as he tended to his newborn daughter, Makenna, who was born premature with trisomy 13.

Upon returning to Hoag Performance Center, Mebane shared the heartbreaking news that his daughter passed away late last week.

“She passed away January 3, Thursday,” he said. “She wasn’t getting better so we had to make a decision. She kept having bleeds from the stomach, and then when they tried to feed her, it wasn’t good for her liver.”

A somber Mebane spoke with a soft tone, yet made it clear he’ll always carry his daughter’s memory in his heart.

“We’re doing pretty good,” he said of his family. “Just trying to take one day at a time. Still thankful (for having her in our life). Thank God every day. Still pray. We’re just taking it just one day at a time.”

While admitting it is somewhat therapeutic to be back with the Chargers as they prepare for their Divisional Round matchup with the New England Patriots, Mebane said his daughter is constantly on his mind.

Thus, she’ll be with him in spirit come kickoff on Sunday.

The entire Los Angeles Chargers family extended their deepest condolences to Brandon, his wife Amena, and their two children, Mahailey and son Makai.

Words are hard to come by with the passing of Brandon Mebane’s infant daughter, Makenna.

We are heartbroken.

Please join us in keeping Brandon, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers.

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 9, 2019