R. Jay Soward — I’m Devastated By Cousin’s Prison Murder

EXCLUSIVE

Former NFL receiver R. Jay Soward — a 1st round pick in 2000 — says his entire family is “upset” over the prison murder of his cousin … who cops suspect was killed by ex-NFL star Lawrence Phillips.

As we previously reported, R. Jay’s 1st cousin Damion Soward was murdered last week while serving time at Kern Valley State Prison … and cops say Phillips, his cellmate, is the main suspect. 

“It’s very, very traumatic for my family,” Soward says. 

“I have no terms … I have no terms for what happened to my cousin.”

“We were tight. Very tight. I just want to find out what happened. That’s the only thing I care about.”

Soward — who spent 4 seasons in the NFL — tells us he never crossed paths with Phillips during his time in the league … “didn’t know him, never spoke with him.”

“I just want people to keep my family in their thoughts.”