The Tampa Bay Bucs announced Tuesday that Michael William Jurevicius, the son of wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, died Monday night in St. Louis.

The younger Jurevicius, born prematurely during the NFL playoffs last winter, battled a legion of health problems from the outset. Joe Jurevicius, a five-year veteran, nearly skipped the NFC championship game, and the story of his son's battle and his own distractions were a major theme throughout Super Bowl week.

Joe Jurevicius somehow managed to focus enough through his family's ordeal to perform brilliantly in both the conference title game and also in Super Bowl XXXVII.

"Meagan and I want to thank everyone for their support and wishes during this time," Joe Jurevicius said in a statement released by the Bucs. "The last few months have been both joyous and difficult for our family.

"Michael was very courageous and he enriched our lives for the short time that he was with us. We want to thank all of the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital, Tampa General Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital for their help and care, and all of our fans for their support. Now we just need time to grieve."

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.