Former Jackson State football player Rashard Anderson dies from prostate cancer

Former Jackson State University football standout Rashard Anderson died from prostate cancer on Wednesday.

“Today is a sad day for the JSU family,” Jackson State Vice President/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said in a statement. “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.”

Anderson starred at Forest High School as a cornerback before heading to Jackson State University where he was a part of the 1996 SWAC Championship team. He was a first-round NFL draft pick and went on to play for the Carolina Panthers and the Calgary Stampeders.

After retiring from football, Anderson became a football coach at Callaway and Murrah High School.

“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,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “He will forever be remembered for his charismatic personality and his winning attitude. Our condolences to the Anderson family and friends.”

Anderson was 45 at the time of his death.