Teammates & friends react to Joey V's tragic death

Tragedy struck the Texas A&M family on Thursday with the news that senior offensive lineman Joseph Villavisencio had died in a two-car collision on his way back to his hometown of Jacksonville to visit family for Christmas.

Villavisencio reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a bird on Highway 39 south of Normangee, and his car met an 18-wheel truck head-on. He was 22 years old.

"It's always tragic when a young person loses their life," said TexAgs.com co-owner and senior editor Billy Liucci Thursday night on his Twitter account. "It hurts so much more when it's someone as good-hearted, brilliant and beloved as Joey V."

The honor student and multi-year Academic All-Big 12 honoree was heading home after spending the day at Twin City Mission in Bryan with his A&M teammates, passing out toys for Christmas.

News of the young man that friends refer to as "Joey V" really hit home with those that spent time with him in the trenches: The A&M football team. If you wondered what type of person Villavisencio was, all you had to do was read what former A&M head coach Mike Sherman had to say about him in the official release announcing his death.

“The world lost a very special person today,” Sherman said. “My heart aches for his mom, dad and sister, all of whom were so dear to him. His teammates, coaches and fellow students will remember him as someone who would do anything for anybody."

Sherman continued…

"I will always remember him as always offering me a smile whenever we talked and would always answer my questions with a simple, ‘yes, coach’ or ‘no, coach.’ He was one of the most respectful and high character players I have ever coached. It was an honor and privilege to have known him, and to have coached him. Although his life on this earth was way too short, his impact on the people he met will be everlasting. I will never forget him.”

Sherman gave Villavisencio a surprise start at Iowa State in 2008, where he played well and helped the Aggies top the Cyclones, 49-35. It was the only start of his career.

Legendary former quarterback Jerrod Johnson quarterbacked the Aggies to victory in that game at ISU. He had fond memories of a selfless servant who wore jersey #67 for the maroon and white.

"Joe V. was one of the best people I knew," Johnson said. "He was hard-working, he never complained and he would do anything to help a teammate while always managing to keep a smile on his face at all times. Guys like Joe V. are the glue that holds teams together."

Former Aggie offensive lineman Michael Shumard played with Villavisencio for two years and helped recruit him to A&M out of Jacksonville High School.

"It's hard to put into words the bond offensive linemen have with each other. It's a band of brothers. I recruited Joey on his visit. I roomed with him at the hotel away games and bowl game. I consider myself lucky to have known him. Every time someone passes away, you always hear, 'He is one of the best.' With Joey, it's the truth. My heart goes out to the Villavisencio family and everyone of the coaches, players and classmates that has been blessed to meet such a great guy."

Sean McKinney, the youngest brother of former A&M and NFL offensive linemen Steve and Seth McKinney and the son of former A&M chancellor Mike McKinney, roomed with Villavisencio during his one year in the Aggie Football program.

"Joey was a great student, a great roommate and, above all, a great friend," McKinney said. "He embodied everything that an Aggie should represent. Kindness. Integrity. Hard work. He was everything I strive to be. The Aggie family lost a great man and I lost a good friend. I love you, Joey."

Other A&M football representatives took to Twitter in the hours following Villavisencio's death...

Safety Trent Hunter: "Prayers go out to Joey Villavisencio's family and friends. We lost a great brother today. Crazy to think we just saw him earlier today."

Cornerback DeAndre Thompson: "Life is a precious thing that should never be taken for granted. #RipJoeV … gonna miss you on the block, bro."

Defensive tackle Kirby Ennis: "RIP Joey V. May God be with … your family as they go through this tragedy."

Wide receiver Mike Evans: "Joey V. … you will be missed."

Incoming quarterback Matt Davis: "My heart and prayers go out to Joey V's family. I pray for peace and comfort in this tragic time."

Former A&M tight end Martellus Bennett: "My prayers go out to the Villavisencio family and his teammates at Texas A&M. Sad to lose kids at such a young age. Just know God's at work."