Fred Matua Dies: USC Trojan Teammates Mourn Offensive Lineman's Death At Age 28 On Twitter

College teammates of ex-USC Trojans offensive lineman Fred Matua took to Twitter to pay their respects to the 28-year-old player, who died Sunday from a heart illness.

Matua, who was taken in the seventh round by the Detroit Lions in the 2006 NFL Draft, was a three-year starter for USC from 2003 to 2005.

Matua's death came after a recent hospitalization, according to ESPN Los Angeles.

The 28-year-old offensive lineman was remembered on Twitter as yet another football player who died too young.

"RIP Fred Matua former college teammate and friend," said Miami Dolphins running back and former Trojan Reggie Bush. "You gonna be missed bro. Way too early..."

Many of Matua's Trojan teammates expressed their shock at the death of the 28-year-old offensive lineman.

"Prayers up to College teammate Fred Matua who passed away this morning. Please pray for his family at this tough time. #trojanforlife," wrote Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing.

Matua's former coach at USC, Pete Carroll, also reflected on his ex-player's death.

"So saddened to hear about Fred Matua passing away at age 28," said Carroll, who is now the head coach of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Carroll called Matua's death "very tough news."

Former Trojan and current Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil remembered his teammate by sharing a quote from Matua on Twitter.

"I can't change. Same volume, every day. Loud. You've got to be loud. Being loud puts pressure on yourself." - Fred Matua#FightOnForever," Kalil wrote.

Former USC star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart also expressed his grief on the micro-blogging site.

"So sad to hear that my friend and teammate Fred Matua has passed," said Leinart, who now plays for the Oakland Raiders. "Words just can't describe it. RIP brother! You will be forever missed."

Matua was of Polynesian descent, and other Polynesian NFL players were among those who mourned the dead football player.

"Fred Matua! Love this man taught me how to play guard and also brought that nasty mentality that couldn't be," wrote Seattle Seahawks guard Deuce Lutui, who was also a teammate of Matua's at USC. "To my beloved brother FRED MATUA the guy who is a big credit to my career he sacrificed himself to lift me I love U U SCDYNASYTrojans4Life."

"RIP to the uso Fred Matua. Keep his family in prayer," wrote Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.

"Rest in Peace my brother Fred Matua your work & dedication to our community will be missed yet your impact has touched so many young lives," said NFL fullback Brandon Manumaleuna, who is half-Samoan.