Photo: George Gojkovich/Getty
Former Carolina Panthers and Jackson State University football player Rashard Anderson has died, the school announced on Wednesday. He was 45.
“Today is a sad day for the JSU family,” Jackson State Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said in astatement.
Anderson, a member of the university’s Hall of Fame, played cornerback for Jackson State from 1996 to 1999. He helped the school reach the 1996 SWAC Championship and earn the 1999 SWAC Eastern Division title.
“The Jackson State University community mourns the loss of alumnus Rashard Anderson, one of our talented former student athletes who made an indelible mark on the gridiron and throughout his professional career in the NFL,” Jackson State President Thomas K. Hudson said.
George Gojkovich/Getty
He continued: “He will forever be remembered for his charismatic personality and his winning attitude. Our condolences to the Anderson family and friends.”
The university did not share Anderson’s cause of death.
According toNFL.com, Anderson played in the league for two seasons before he was suspended in 2002 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Anderson had 75 tackles and made nine starts in 27 games for the Panthers.
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Anderson later became a substitute teacher and an assistant football coach at Callaway and Murrah high schools in Jackson, theMississippi Clarion Ledgerreported.
“Devastated over this,” Jackson State announcer Rob Jay said in atweeton Wednesday. “Rest in heaven my friend.”
source: people.com
