Rashard Anderson

Rashard T. Anderson (June 14, 1977 – July 13, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a cornerback for two seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Carolina Panthers from 2000 to 2001. He played college football for the Jackson State Tigers.

Early life Anderson was born in Forest, Mississippi, on June 14, 1977. He attended Forest High School in his hometown. He then studied at Jackson State University (JSU), He played a role in the Tigers winning the 1996 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship and the 1999 SWAC Eastern Division title.

Professional career

Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Anderson made his NFL debut with the Panthers on September 3, 2000, at the age of 23, in a 20–17 loss against the Washington Redskins. In his first NFL season, Anderson appeared in 12 games and recorded 21 tackles. He ended the 2001 season with 47 tackles and his only career interception in 15 games. He also finished second in the NFL in fumble return yards (97) after Brian Urlacher and was tied for the most fumble return touchdowns (1). He was ultimately reinstated by the NFL following the 2003 season, and the Panthers immediately released him.

NFL career statistics Legend Led the league Bold Career high

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD 2000 CAR 12 0 23 21 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2001 CAR 15 9 52 47 5 0.0 1 1 0 0 0 5 1 3 97 1 Career 27 9 75 68 7 0.0 1 1 0 0 0 6 1 3 97 1

Later life After retiring from professional football, Anderson was employed as a substitute teacher and was an assistant football coach at Callaway High School and Murrah High School in Jackson. He was inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.

Anderson died from pancreatic cancer on July 13, 2022, at the age of 45.