Former Rams practice squad running back Otis Anderson Jr. was killed in a domestic shooting in Jacksonville on Monday night. A woman inside the home was also shot and transported to the hospital, according to News4Jax.
A 52-year-old man, Otis Lee Anderson Sr., was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. The house where the incident occurred belongs to him and Denise Anderson, who appear to be Otis Anderson Jr.’s parents.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday but did not confirm Anderson as the man who was killed. It’s being described as a domestic incident, and one man was detained for questioning, according to Clayton Freeman of the Florida Times-Union.
University of Central Florida play-by-play analyst Marc Daniels tweeted Tuesday about the “loss of a life taken far too soon.” The school’s athletic director, Terry Mohajir, also shared a message on Twitter.
Thank you Marc. My brief interaction with him was special – he cared very deeply for UCF. I’m hopeful that all who knew him can somehow find peace, especially his teammates. https://t.co/NnQEivTswG
— Terry Mohajir (@TerryMohajirAD) November 30, 2021
A memorial was set up on the field at UCF’s football stadium Tuesday.
Memorial setup at the 2 yard line for Otis Anderson Jr., AKA Juice. I loved watching this guy play and all the incredible games he was a part of. He made KnightNation proud. #RIPJuice #UCFamily #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/wzcxu2tgts
— Knight_13 (@Knight_13plays) November 30, 2021
The Rams signed Anderson as an undrafted rookie out of UCF back in June, adding him to their 90-man roster. In the preseason, Anderson had three carries for 10 yards and also caught two passes for 16 yards.
As a return specialist, he returned three kickoffs for 54 yards and one punt for 15 yards.
Anderson was waived during the final round of cuts in September, and the Rams signed him to their practice squad. However, on Sept. 20, the Rams waived him from their practice squad.
The Rams released the following statement on the passing of Anderson, calling it a “tragic and sudden loss.”
The Rams are saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Otis Anderson Jr. Our sincere condolences are with his family during this very difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Otis. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/riYTep6VLw
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 30, 2021
At UCF, Anderson rushed for 2,182 yards and added 1,025 yards receiving, scoring 26 touchdowns on offense and also returning a punt for a score. His best season came in 2019, when he had 1,091 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.
