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Cedric Killings, a former NFL player, died at the age of 45 after battling pancreatic cancer, his family and former organization said.
Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn., confirmed that Killings had pancreatic cancer.
“Cedric was a terrific person, athlete, parent, husband, teammate, and, above all, a man of God,” Carson-Newman head football coach Mike Clowney, who played alongside Killings in 1996, said. “We are praying for and grieving with Cedric’s family at this terrible time.”
From 2000 to 2007, the defensive tackle spent eight seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans.
On September 23, 2007, he fractured his vertebrae during a head-to-head hit at kickoff in a Texans game against the Indianapolis Colts, prompting his sudden retirement.
Throughout his career, Killings had 36 tackles and three sacks in 34 games. He played in two playoff games for the Redskins in 2005.
After retiring from the NFL, he became an assistant football coach at Carol City High School in Miami Gardens, Florida. He also took part in a Miami Dolphins summer program aimed at improving player safety and teaching proper practices, according to his alma mater.
Killings leaves behind his wife, Shavon, and three children. On Facebook on June 23, she paid an emotional homage to her spouse of over 20 years.
“My love, best friend, and husband of 21 years is no longer physically with me, but he lives on in my heart and the hearts of our three children,” she said. “I’m relieved to know he’s resting and no longer in pain, but I’m still at a loss and can’t believe this is true.”His alma mater stated that he focuses on player safety and effective technique instruction.
She added, “If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting him then you already know how special he is. Just an all around great person. I don’t just say this as his wife, it’s echoed by family, friends, and former teammates. It has been an honor to share life with him, and to love and be loved by him. So grateful for it all. Love you for life.”