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How did Rashard Anderson die? Former Carolina Panthers cornerback was just 45

'Rashard was one of the best players in the history of our football program,' Jackson State vice president of athletics Ashley Robinson said

Former Carolina Panthers cornerback and first-round pick Rashard Anderson has died. The player was just 45 when he breathed his last on Wednesday, July 13, in Mississippi. Panthers confirmed the news, however, the cause of his death is not known yet. In a statement, the team wrote, “Anderson, the Panthers' first-round pick in 2000, played in 27 games with nine starts over two seasons with the team. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”

Anderson was an alumnus of Jackson State University, where he played as a corner for three years – from 1996 to 1999. The university also issued a statement that read, “Today is a sad day for the JSU family. 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.”

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According to reports, the football player enjoyed a great career at JSU before being selected No 23 overall in the 2000 draft by the Panthers. But he played with the team for just two years while making 65 tackles and recording one interception. In 2002, he was suspended for breaching the league's substance abuse policy. After the 2003 season, the Panthers released him permanently. 

After losing the football career, Anderson reportedly worked as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach at Callaway and Murrah high schools in Jackson. His sudden death has left many heartbroken. Jackson State football play-by-play announcer Rob Jay tweeted, “Devastated over this…Rest in heaven my friend🙏🏾❤️.” A fan of his wrote: “Was such a good guy. Even through the tough times he would smile and tell old football stories. Sorry to hear this.” “I last saw him at Spillway Kroger. Me him and Porkchop Womack talked for about an hour on the football glory days. JSU, MSU and Troy,” the second one said.

Anderson’s ex-JSU teammate Marcus Rogers in his tribute to him mentioned “cancer” but it’s not been officially confirmed if he suffered from the disease. Rogers expressed, “💔Dam man, loss a brother, friend, teammate this morning. My Dude was a Father, son, nephew, and uncle. My Dawg Rashard Anderson, former 1st Rd pick Carolina, JSU Grad and Forest High Alum has transitioned! #CancerSucks #LLRIH46.” Coach Sanders, Head Coach @ Co-Lin Junior College, shared: “Dang!!! RIP to a real one!!! Got to know him in his time coaching at callaway!!! Definitely was impacted by him!!! 🙏.”

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A user noted, “I just heard, haven’t seen him in years.. I’m so sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace ‘Wild man.’ 🙏🏾😔” Another one stated: “Played in the MS/AL All-Star Game with this fella and 4 years at THEE I LOVE!!! Gonna miss you WileMan!” Tiger Talk with the 1400 Klub - The Podcast added: “Tiger Talk is saddened by the untimely passing of former @GoJSUTigersFB great and 2000 1st round NFL draft pick, Rashard Anderson. Our condolences go out to his family & friends, and our thoughts & prayers are with them during this tough time! 🙏🏽”