The Raiders community is in shock over the tragic death of James E. Owens Jr, a 20-year-old defensive end who was widely expected to become a future MVP and Defensive Player of the Year contender at the college level — and potentially a first-round NFL draft pick.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had quietly considered him one of the best defensive prospects of the decade — and his passing has sent shockwaves of grief across the program and the entire college football world.

Tonight, that grief reached far beyond football.

WNBA star Caitlin Clark shared her own heartbreak over the news, expressing deep sorrow for a young athlete whose talent, drive, and spirit had inspired players across all sports.

Caitlin wrote:

“This hurts.

James wasn’t just a rising star — he was the kind of athlete who made you believe in what the future of sports could look like.

Twenty years old… with everything ahead of him.

My heart breaks for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him.”

She continued:

“We compete in different arenas, but greatness recognizes greatness.

I watched clips of James and you could see it — the fire, the intensity, the heart.

The world lost someone special today.”

Caitlin, known for her competitive drive and respect for athletes who push the game forward, also acknowledged how deeply his passing shook the entire sports community:

“Whether you’re in football, basketball, or any sport… losing someone this young, this gifted, hits us all.

We lost a future MVP, a future leader, a future legend.”

She ended her message on a quiet, emotional note:

“Rest in peace, James.

Thank you for inspiring so many of us.

We’ll carry your light forward.”

As tributes pour in from coaches, teammates, and fans across the country, Caitlin Clark’s message echoes what so many are feeling tonight:

A rising star is gone far too soon —

and the entire world of sports, from football fields to basketball courts, mourns together.