The BYU football family is mourning the loss of former Cougars linebacker Todd Shell, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2026, at the age of 64.

Shell, a Mesa, Arizona, native, lettered at BYU from 1980 to 1983 and became one of the program’s most respected defensive players during an era when the Cougars’ high-powered offense often drew the headlines.

He earned first-team All-WAC honors in 1983, was a two-time All-WAC selection, and was later named to the 1980s WAC All-Decade team. He also served as defensive captain of the 1983 squad.

Over his career in Provo, Shell recorded 13 sacks and five interceptions (including two pick-sixes in a single season), while playing in 46 games.

His combination of size (6-foot-4), athleticism, and intensity made him a standout on defenses that featured other future NFL talents such as Tom Holmoe.

Holmoe, Shell’s longtime friend and teammate at both BYU and with the San Francisco 49ers, paid tribute shortly after the news broke.

“My dear friend, Coug & SF 49er teammate Todd Shell passed away Sunday night. We met in ’79 at BYU and have been friends ever since. One of THE greatest defensive players ever for the Cougs. Fun/loyal/intense/hilarious/A-1 story teller. Mostly I just love him!” Holmoe wrote.

The 49ers selected Shell in the first round (24th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft.

He won Super Bowl XIX as a rookie and was part of the Super Bowl XXIII championship team before a spinal-cord injury in training camp in 1988 ended his playing career.

He later coached in the Arena Football League, earning Coach of the Year honors in 2003.

Shell never forgot his BYU roots.

According to his obituary, he generously supported Brigham Young University and BYU–Hawaii throughout his life, helping create opportunities for future generations of Cougars.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kelli, daughter Krystal, and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Tanner. The Cougar community remembers Shell as both a ferocious defender on the field and a loyal, giving alumnus off it.