In news broken on Tuesday 12/1, it was reported that former Los Angeles Rams running back Otis Anderson Jr. was shot and killed in his parents’ home in Jacksonville, Florida. The incident took place on Monday evening, 12/1. His father, Otis Anderson Sr. has been charged with the murder, shocking former teammates and coaches from UCF.

On Tuesday, a police report was released by Jacksonville’s Sheriff’s Department. They were told by Denise Anderson, Otis’ mother, that an altercation had started between the father and son and escalated to the point that they had to be separated. It was then that the father would retrieve a handgun and shoot his own son in the chest. By the time Anderson Jr. arrived at the hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Anderson Sr. would later be arrested and charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder. He is currently being held without bond and will make another appearance in front of judges on December 22nd. 

Otis Anderson Jr. nicknamed “Juice” for the initials OJ, played for UCF from 2017 to 2020 with over 2000 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He was remembered by teammates for his uplifting smile and personality. Anderson´s jersey and flowers were placed on the UCF practice field over the last couple of days. Pictures were being presented in the UCF video boards in the school. The school issued a statement regarding the news: “We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr. He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved Otis. He was taken too soon and will truly be missed.”

His former coach Josh Heupel posted a statement on Twitter saying, “Saddened and stunned by the passing of Otis Anderson Jr. Tough and gritty, fun and full of laughter, he made such a positive impact on our university, community, and our locker room. He was an unbelievable teammate. My condolences go out to the entire UCF family.”