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Tributes Pour In After Former Nebraska RB Is Found Dead At 54

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 6:13 PM ET

Former Nebraska running back Calvin Jones died at age 54.

According to ABC's KETV 7, police found Jones dead in the basement of his home after responding to a call about a gas odor. They believe he died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Nebraska fans mourned Jones' passing on social media.

"RIP to one of the great Husker running backs. Calvin Jones was an absolute force in the backfield," KETV's Bill Schammert wrote.

"One of my all-time favorite Huskers," Mark McLaughlin said. "Very sorry to read this."

"RIP Calvin Jones," Dan Cunningham said. "Man helped start my fandom.

"Sad News in Husker Nation," Jeff Gilbertson said. "RIP Calvin Jones, one of the best at his skilled position."

"This is heartbreaking," Floyd Beckman wrote. "I had the pleasure of meeting Calvin Jones a few times as he was a customer at the bank I worked at. Truly, one of the nicest people I have ever met."

UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 16: Coll, Football: Nebraska Calvin Jones (44) in action vs Kansas State Thomas Randolph (4), Lincoln, NE 10/16/1993 (Photo by Patrick Murphy-Racey/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X45152)Patrick Murphy-Racey/Getty Images

Jones scored 42 touchdowns in 30 career games with Nebraska. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry over three seasons, leading the Big Eight with 8.3 in 1991 and 7.2 in 1992. The conference named him its Offensive Player of the Year after he registered 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore.

He ended his college career as a Doak Walker Award finalist, an honor given to the nation's top running back. Jones compiled 3,457 career scrimmage yards for Nebraska's "We Back" backfield, and the team went 29-6-1 during his tenure.

Nebraska inducted Jones into the university's Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Los Angeles Raiders selected Jones in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He tallied 118 yards on 29 touches in 17 career games and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.

Our condolences go out to Jones' loved ones for their loss.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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