New York Giants legend Ottis Anderson has clarified that he is of no relation to Otis Anderson Jr., the former star running back at UCF who was allegedly fatally shot by his father after a dog-bite incident.
Ottis Anderson, who played running back for the Giants from 1986-1992 and won two Super Bowls, said that his “phone is blowing up” in the wake of the tragedy, and offered prayers for the family.
“My phone is blowing up,” the Giants’ Super Bowl XXV MVP tweeted. “I am not the father of the young man who played for UCF and was killed by his father.
“I only have daughters. It is a tragic situation and I pray, as should all of you, for his mother and the rest of his family. He was gifted! Rest well young man.”
Otis Anderson Jr., 23, played running back for the University of Central Florida from 2017-2020. He was on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad earlier this season.
Otis Anderson Sr. is facing charges of murder and attempted murder after being accused of shooting his son and Anderson Jr.’s mother, Denise. Anderson Jr. died Monday night after he was shot at least once in the chest. Denise was treated for wounds after being grazed with multiple shots, and released from the hospital.
The incident occurred after a dog belonging to Anderson Jr.’s girlfriend bit Anderson Sr.
Anderson Jr. rushed for 2,182 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in his time at UCF.
“We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr.,” UCF’s football program tweeted. “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.”