Mississippi State introduced the passing of a former operating again on Saturday afternoon.
Dontae Walker, who was a key contributor for the Bulldogs from 1999-2002, has died, this system introduced. He was 44. A highschool star in Mississippi, Walker rushed for 1,875 yards and 22 touchdowns in his profession in Starkville, together with 798 yards and 9 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2000.
“The Mississippi State Household mourns the passing of Dontae Walker. Our ideas and prayers exit to his household, buddies and teammates,” stated the official Mississippi State soccer account on X/Twitter.
Walker had loads of highlights throughout his time with the Bulldogs, together with collaborating within the well-known “Snow Bowl” matchup with Texas A&M on the 2000 Independence Bowl. Walker rushed for a 40-yard landing in that sport.
Nevertheless, his profession got here to an unceremonious finish when he left the sphere after listening to boos when his title was launched earlier than his remaining dwelling sport in 2022. Walker was ultimately reduce from the roster in consequence.
“If I may do it once more, I might have stayed humble and stayed on that area and tuned all the things out,” he informed the Clarion Ledger in 2013. “There was extra cheering than booing, however after I heard that booing, I couldn’t take it. I did loads for Mississippi State with profitable bowl video games and serving to recruit gamers there. It was a hurting feeling. However I realized from it.”
Sentenced to 25 years in jail for cocaine and marijuana possession in 2005, Walker was launched from in 2009 and ultimately earned a diploma from Belhaven College in Jackson in 2013.
“I wished to cry once they known as my title,” Walker stated on the time of his commencement. It has been a protracted trip and I’ve been working exhausting. I would like individuals to see I’m a productive member of society.”
Our ideas and prayers are with Walker’s family and friends throughout this troublesome time.
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