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How did Lionel James die? Record holder NFL icon, 59, was nicknamed ‘Little Train’

The all-time Auburn great was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers in 1984. He was named as MVP for the Chargers in 1985

NFL legend Lionel James, who was famously known for his quirky name ‘Little Train’ died on Friday, February 25. He was 59. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement. Later NFL confirmed the sad news on their official site. James, who was a 5-foot-6 running back, got the nickname due to his little stature. Social media users rushed to Twitter to pay their final condolences to the NFL icon.
 
Speaking of sports players' death, Ex-Denver Broncos Pro Bowl star Demaryius Thomas died in December 2021 whereas, former MLB player Jeremy Giambi died in February 2022 after an apparent suicide attempt. NFL star and former San Francisco 49ers tight end Greg Clark died in July 2021 and fans were left devasted after Mark Eaton, a former NBA All-Star died at the age of 64 in May 2021.
 
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How did Lionel 'Little Train' James die?

According to the official website of the Auburn Tigers, the legendary NFL player died after a lengthy battle with an illness. The specific details on the illness are still awaited. James was born in the year 1962. He was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers in 1984.  He set a record with his 2,535 all-purpose yards in 1985 and in the same season his 1027 receiving yards that season were the most ever for a running back.  James was named as MVP for the Chargers in 1985 and got inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
Speaking about James, former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics David Housel said, “Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation.” He added, “Lionel James — the Little Engine That Could. All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. He wasn't big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more."

‘He was the toughest pound for pound and always polite’

Social media users logged into Twitter to bid the ‘Little Train’ their final goodbyes. “I’m very sad to report that Lionel James has passed after a long illness. He was a wonderful guy, and my all-time favorite #Auburn player. I wrote this about him when he joined the coaching staff back in 1996”, said one user as another posted, “In my many years of covering sports, I never knew a player quite like Lionel James. He was the toughest pound for pound and always polite, engaging and downright funny! It was a pleasure to have known you, RIP "Little Train".
 
The next one shared, “I remember "Little Train" from his time with the San Diego Chargers and when he was 1/3 of that stud Auburn backfield back in the 80s with Bo Jackson and Tommie Agee. Great player, fun to watch. #RIP” Whereas, another stated, “Bo Jackson will always be my AU hero....but Little Train was certainly one as well.” One user concluded, “Sad news on the passing of an all-time Auburn great who had one of the best nicknames in history.”