NFL fans pay tribute to Rashard Anderson after former Panthers star dies aged 45

Rashard Anderson, a star football player at Jackson State, has died. The Forest High School alumnus, who was selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, played for JSU in the late 1990s. After spending a few seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Anderson finished his professional playing career in Canada.

In addition to coaching football, he also assisted patients at the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. His career also included coaching Callaway and Murrah High Schools. Anderson, who was only 45 years old, died of prostate cancer. Jackson was chosen with the 23rd choice in the 2000 NFL Draft following a stellar career at Jackson State. He participated in 27 games for the Panthers before moving on to play in the Canadian Football League.

Image Credits – Hindable

Following the 2001 season, Anderson was given a one-year suspension for breaking the NFL’s substance usage policy. He was finally allowed to play again and joined the Canadian Football League.

According to Thompson, Anderson worked in a variety of positions after his football career, including as an assistant football coach and substitute teacher at Jackson’s Callaway and Murrah high schools. His alma mater lamented Anderson’s passing.

Ashley Robinson, vice president and director of athletics at Jackson State, stated in a statement released by the university, “Today is a sad day for the JSU family.” “Rashard was a fantastic person as well as one of our football program’s greatest players. In April, he came to our spring football game and was enthusiastic about the program winning again. Jackson State University will never forget Rashard, and during this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Marcus Rogers, a former Jackson State teammate, posted “cancer stinks” as a tribute to Anderson even though no cause of death has been disclosed. “This morning, we lost a brother, friend, and teammate. A father, son, nephew, and uncle, My Dude was the best.’’ Rogers penned.  

Football play-by-play announcer Rob Jay of Jackson State remarked that he was “devastated about this. Peace be with you, dear buddy.

Also expressing their sympathies were Panthers supporters:

 

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