AP PhotoGreen Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless didn't report to training camp on time, but his team explained that it was because he was dealing with "an extremely difficult family situation." Coach Mike McCarthy said Quarless would be gone for "as long as he has to be," but didn't elaborate further, per NBC Sports.
Sadly, however, it turns out the NFL player missed the start of camp because his baby daughter died at birth last week. ESPN Wisconsin reporter Jason Wilde tweeted the news.
"TE Andrew Quarless tells reporters that his baby daughter died at birth last week. Was the reason for his absence at start of camp," he posted Monday.
Wilde continued to tweet quotes from Quarless' press conference, including, "'My son was really looking forward to being a big brother.'"
Quarless' wife, Rosie Sierra's, most recent tweet might make you cry, if you weren't tearing up already.
"Counting down the days....can't wait to meet our Princess!! @DrewQuarless," she tweeted on July 22.
Upon his return to the field, McCarthy said he and the Packers would be taking it one day at a time. "Andrew obviously has been gone because of what him and his family have been dealing with," McCarthy said. "From a professional standpoint, you've got to make sure that he's OK, and that's the priority.
"But as far as his workload, just treat him as if it was his first day."
Quarless had been arrested in early July on allegations of firing a gun during an argument outside a parking garage in Miami Beach, which many believed to be the reason for his absence at training camp. Although the arrest had nothing to do with his absence, Quarless could still face legal repercussions.