MISSOULA — Former University of Montana running back Joey Counts, best known by Griz fans for his dramatic winning touchdown in a stunning home triumph over North Dakota State nine years ago, has died.
An announcement was made online Friday by his employer, the Gilbert (Arizona) Fire Department.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Joey Counts, a dedicated officer with the Gilbert Fire Department, who tragically passed away in Chandler, Arizona. Joey’s untimely death leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community he served so selflessly. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, his contributions to the community, and the unwavering dedication he demonstrated throughout his career.”
No cause of death was given.
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Longtime fans of Griz football will likely never forget Counts’ short TD burst with two seconds left in a late August 2015 game against then-four-time defending FCS champion NDSU. Montana upset the top-ranked, Carson-Wentz-led Bison, 38-35, under smoky skies in a game that aired on ESPN.
It was the moment of a lifetime for Counts, who missed all of 2014 with a foot injury and was held of out of much of 2015 fall camp, too.
“I can’t believe it,” said Counts, a locker room favorite for his boisterous attitude, after the game. “There’s a lot of heart and perseverance on this team and it was calm; everybody knew what they had to do.
“We all figured they were gonna pinch down pretty hard. I just saw some light and I took it.”
Counts was on the Montana roster from 2012 to 2016. His employer conveyed Friday what he meant to colleagues and his community in his professional life.
“Joey’s career as a firefighter and officer with the Gilbert Fire Department was defined by his commitment to serving the people of his community. He was not just a firefighter; he was a true hero. Joey ran toward danger when others were running away, and his bravery in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him. Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies, or other crises, Joey remained calm, focused, and compassionate in his work.”
To read a tribute to Counts by his employer, log on to: memorialeditorial.cfd/death-joey-counts-obituary-chandler-az-gilbert-fire-department-officer-is-dead/
Bill Speltz is Missoulian sports editor. Contact him at bill.speltz@406mtsports.com or on Twitter @billspeltz