Dontae Walker, a former Mississippi State running back, has died.
The program announced his death on Saturday, posting a short statement on social media that read: “The Mississippi State Family mourns the passing of Dontae Walker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates.”
Walker rushed for over 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns during his time with the team.
He is best known for his performance in the 2000 ‘Snow Bowl’ against Texas A&M, where his team fought back for a narrow 43-41 victory.
Walker seemed destined for the NFL, but he was cut from the team after reporting his obesity senior year.
And after his college career ended, Walker was arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2005.
The Mississippi State Family mourns the passing of Dontae Walker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/mreFj0EFV7
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 28, 2024
He was released from prison in 2009 and served four years, returning to school to complete his degree at Belhaven University.
“I wanted to cry when they called my name,” he told The Clarion Leger in 2013.
‘It’s been a long ride and I’ve worked hard. I want people to see that I am a productive member of society.”
About his time in prison, he said: “I overcame that accident. The good Lord gave me another chance. I didn’t make it to the NFL, but the good Lord gave me another chance.”
A cause of death has not been given.