Former Carolina Panthers first-round pick Rashard Anderson dead at 45

Former Carolina Panthers first-round selection Rashard Anderson has passed away at 45 years old.

Anderson made an impact everywhere he played football, suiting up for Jackson State University throughout his impressive college career from 1996-1999. Anderson was a lock-down defensive back, who was inducted into the Tigers’ Hall of Fame following his career.

Jackson State University originally announced Anderson’s death, but no cause was given.

“Today is a sad day for the JSU family,” Jackson State Vice President / Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said in a statement, via NFL.com. “Rashard was one of the best players in the history of our football program and an outstanding person. He attended our spring football game in April and was excited about the program returning to championship status. Rashard will always be remembered by Jackson State University, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

Moreover, after a fantastic career with Jackson State, the Panthers made Anderson’s NFL dreams come true. The former Tigers star was picked by the fledgling franchise with the No. 23 overall selection in the 2000 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, Anderson’s NFL career was marred by disappointment, as he was only in the league for the better part of two seasons. The defensive back was suspended in 2002 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and was later released by the Panthers after being reinstated by the NFL.

Afterwards, Anderson wasn’t signed by another franchise — until 2005, when he returned to the field for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. However, he was cut before the regular season, and he remained unsigned by any other team from then on afterwards.

After the end of his football career, the former Panthers first-round pick taught as a substitute teacher, while moving the game of football forward as an assistant coach at Callaway High School and Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi.

The football world mourns Rashard Anderson, and our thoughts and prayers are with him family and friends.