Cedric Killings, a former NFL star, has lost his life at the age of 45 after fighting pancreatic cancer.
Killings, who spent seven years in the NFL, had to end his career abruptly due to a fractured vertebra. He played for teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and more.
The respected defensive lineman passed away on June 21 from pancreatic cancer. His wife, Shavon, paid tribute to him as an “all-round great person” while expressing her disbelief at the news.
In an emotional post on Facebook, she wrote, “My love, my best friend, my husband of 21 years is no longer physically with me, but he lives in my heart and in the hearts of our three children.
“I’m comforted in knowing he is resting and no longer in pain, but I’m still at a loss and can’t believe this is real.
‘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. Our love will live strong for generations to come.”
Killings started his football career at Carson-Newman, where he played in all 54 games and was named 1996 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
He then signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2000 but was released a year later. Following stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins, Killings joined the Texans in 2006, where he would eventually retire.
During a game against the Indianapolis Colts in September 2007, Killings suffered a severe head-to-head collision, fracturing his vertebra and ending his NFL career at the age of 29, due to numbness in his lower body.
Carson-Newman, the college where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame, also honored their alumni after learning of his passing.
