The Carolina Panthers selected Rashard Anderson in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He was 45. The Panthers, who reported that Anderson passed away on Wednesday in Mississippi, and Jackson State University, where he was a great cornerback from 1996 to 1999, have both confirmed his passing.
As of Thursday morning, Anderson’s demise remained under investigation. The Panthers issued a statement in which they expressed their sympathies to his family and close friends.
With the 23rd overall pick in the 2000 draft, Anderson joined the Panthers for 27 games, nine of which he started. Due to his violation of the substance usage policy, he was suspended for the entire 2003 season and did not return to the NFL.
As a freshman in 1996, Anderson assisted Jackson State in winning the SWAC, and in 1999, he steered the Tigers to the SWAC Eastern Division crown. He was selected in the first round of the 2000 draft along with teammate Sylvester Morris (Kansas City Chiefs, 21st overall).
Ashley Robinson, vice president and director of sports at Jackson State, issued a statement on Wednesday saying, “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 moment, our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”
