Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer is dealing with a wounding loss in his family, after his younger brother’s wife, Carissa, passed away unexpectedly. His former teammate and wide receiver Julian Edelman shared a heartfelt reaction to the news on Instagram.

“Thinking about ya Hoy 🙏❤️‍🩹,” he wrote on his Instagram story.

It is a devastating loss for Hoyer’s family, since the couple had four little girls, all aged under 12 years.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write this,” Hoyer’s Instagram post read. “On February 13th, my little brother lost his wife Carissa suddenly and unexpectedly. She leaves behind him and their four little girls, Josie, Lainey, Ellie, and Hattie. In an instant, he became a widowed father to four daughters under 12.”

Fortunately, his brother will not be dealing with this loss all by himself, with Brian Hoyer, his longtime partner Lauren, and two kids, Garrett and Cameron, all being there to support him. Julian Edelman was among the first teammates to offer prayers, and more reactions are to be expected, considering that Hoyer built a lot of friendships during his NFL tenure.

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40 years old now, Hoyer was an NFL quarterback for 15 years, across multiple franchises. After being drafted by the Pats in 2009, he had stints with Arizona, Cleveland, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Indianapolis, the Raiders, and two more with New England, also winning a Super Bowl ring in 2019.

Over the course of his career, he started for eight different franchises, which is the second-highest mark in NFL history. He hung up his cleats after a one-year run with the Raiders, finishing his career with 10,899 yards and 53 touchdowns, which are pretty respectable numbers considering he was a backup for most of his career.

He’s been a family man ever since retiring, and is now helping garner financial support for his widowed brother, who has started a GoFundMe account after the loss.

Brian Hoyer calls for financial support for his brother

Brian Hoyer, along with his brother, Matthew, started a GoFundMe for Brett, who’s dealing with the loss of his wife. The support was instant, and the brothers have already raised $44,620, completing 45% of their $100,000 goal.

“At just 37 years old, Brett is now navigating life as a widowed father to four young girls,” the description read. “The grief is overwhelming, and the road ahead feels daunting. As they face the painful reality of life without Cari, the added financial burden brings even more uncertainty during an already heartbreaking time.”

It noted that the money will help their brother manage the early pressures that come with being a single parent, especially when every kid is under 12 years of age. The goal of the GoFundMe initiative is to help Brett focus on “loving his girls, grieving together, and beginning the long process of healing without the constant weight of financial stress.”

Julian Edelman and Hoyer both linked the GoFundMe account on their Instagram.

“If you can find it in your heart to help us help him and his girls through this unimaginable season, we would be forever grateful,” Hoyer wrote. “We can’t take away their pain, but together we can help carry the weight. Your support can help ease their burden during this painful time. Please consider donating or sharing to show you care. Every bit helps.”

As for Brett, as heavy as the loss is, thanks to his brother’s help, the financial support will ease the burden that he’s dealing with. And with more players expected to send in their prayers, the $100,000 goal is likely to be accomplished soon.