Mitch Morse Announces Death of His Brother Robbie at 30

Former NFL center Mitch Morse announced the death of his brother, Robbie, at age 30 in an Instagram post Monday, Oct. 4, Us Weekly reports.

“Last week, we lost my brother Robbie at the age of 30,” Morse, 34, wrote. “Robbie’s life was unique, and at times incredibly difficult. But through all of it, he was surrounded by family and friends who loved him profoundly.”

Robbie suffered a bilateral subdural hematoma — brain trauma consistent with severe shaking — while in the care of a babysitter when he was four months old, according to Us Weekly. The 1996 incident left him with lifelong intellectual and physical disabilities. The babysitter, then about 20, later confessed to shaking Robbie when he wouldn’t stop crying. She reached a plea deal and served no prison time.

“As we grieve the loss of a son, a brother, and someone who has been a part of our lives for the last three decades, we also find peace in knowing that the physical shackles of this life no longer hold him,” Morse continued. “Robbie is free. He is whole. And he is home with our Lord.”

Morse ended the post with “We love you, Robbo. Rest easy, buddy.”

A life shaped by care

Morse, who played 10 NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring in March 2025, grew up understanding that Robbie’s needs often came first. He told The Buffalo News in 2019 that the family’s challenges made them closer and that he never wanted to be an extra burden.

Their father, Kevin, told the same outlet that the family never considered retribution against the babysitter. “Every friend of mine would have told you, ‘Well, I thought he would go over there and kill her. Literally.’ But [that feeling] never came out, it just went away,” he said, according to Us Weekly. “This was just about Robbie and Mitch, and that was a complete waste of emotion. It was time to focus, and that’s what we did.”

Support from the football community

Several former teammates and opponents sent condolences. The Bills’ official account wrote, “Sending love to you and your family. ❤️💙.” Former Bills quarterback Mitch Trubisky said, “Sending love and prayers your way brother! 🙏🙏❤️❤️.” Former Missouri teammate Justin Britt commented, “Love you brother. Prayers to your family. I know you were the best big brother. 🕊️.”

All reactions were reported by Us Weekly from Morse’s post.

• Buffalo Bills
• family tragedy
• Mitch Morse
• NFL
• Robbie Morse
• traumatic brain injury