Charles Johnson, a former first-round NFL’s draft, tragically passed away on July 17, 2022. A day after his wife Tanisha reported him missing to local authorities; he was discovered inside a hotel room in Raleigh. Johnson had just turned 50.
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Former first-round draft pick Charles Johnson dies at 50. https://t.co/uhEJA1eOp8
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 20, 2022
Nearly six months passed before the cause of Johnson’s demise was made clear in a North Carolina medical examiner’s report. The 50-year-old was declared dead on the spot. He had no active prescriptions, but an autopsy revealed that oxycodone, hydrocodone, and mirtazapine were in his system at the time of his death, according to North Carolina Prescription Monitoring Service data.
No foul play is suspected in Johnson’s death, which has been ruled a suicide. USA Today previously reported that the former Patriots wide receiver was suffering from disabilities as a result of the rigors of football.
Gutted to hear of former Eagles WR Charles Johnson’s death.
C.J. played nine NFL seasons and spent 1999 & 2000 with the Eagles. Great guy, tremendous personality, had been working as an assistant AD at a high school in North Carolina.
He was only 50.https://t.co/9cAErSxyqs
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) July 20, 2022
Johnson was the University of Colorado’s star wide receiver for four years, from 1990 to 1993. Johnson’s college exploits prompted the Pittsburgh Steelers to select him with the 17th overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft.
He was with the team for five seasons before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Johnson spent two years in Philadelphia before joining the New England Patriots for the 2001 NFL season, where he was a member of the team that won the Super Bowl.
5 Players who left the world too soon due to drug overdose
Among NFL players, drug abuse has long been a problem. The league has made attempts to address this widespread issue but better measures are needed to resolve this problem. Here are five athletes who tragically passed away because of drug use.
Jaylon Ferguson
The Baltimore Ravens selected Jaylon Ferguson in the third round of the 2019 Draft. He played for the Ravens for three seasons, compiling 4.5 sacks.
Terrible news: #Ravens LB Jaylon Ferguson has died at just 26 years old.
Statement from agent Safarrah Lawson:
“It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Baltimore Ravens LB Jaylon Ferguson. The family asks for your prayers and privacy during this trying time.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 22, 2022
Ferguson is the most recent athlete to die as a result of drug use. During the NFL offseason of 2022, he accidentally overdosed on cocaine and fentanyl and passed away at the age of 26.
Keith McCants
With 13.5 career sacks, Keith McCants played six seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Oilers, and Arizona Cardinals.
#BREAKING: Former Buccaneers LB Keith McCants dies at 53 https://t.co/ZhhQ9xBIgg pic.twitter.com/w9giCRRfaU
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) September 2, 2021
In Alabama, McCants pursued a career in criminal justice by working as a marine police officer. In September 2021, at the age of 53, he apparently overdosed on drugs.
Colt Brennan
Colt Brennan had an outstanding college football career at the University of Hawaii. He finished in the top ten in career passing yards and touchdowns in college football history.
Former University of Hawaii Football Star Colt Brennan’s Death Caused by Accidental Drug Overdose https://t.co/w9Dwl0Kbcm
— People (@people) September 18, 2021
Brennan struggled with substance abuse and was arrested several times for DUI and trespassing while heavily intoxicated. Just hours later, he tragically overdosed on fentanyl and methamphetamines.
David Croudip
He was a member of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Atlanta Falcons, as well as the USFL’s Los Angeles Express and Houston Gamblers. Croudip passed away on October 10, 1988, at the age of 30.
RIP 15 768) #Falcon @AtlantaFalcons #David #Croudip #Dies #October 10, 1988 #Cocaine #Cocktail Suspected https://t.co/xkJAc46Uqp
— Jean Lebrun (@004nino) May 12, 2017
He had ingested a fatal dose of cocaine, it was later determined. His death would be the first of three fatalities to strike the Falcons organization in the last two years.
Gene Lipscomb
Gene Lipscomb played in the NFL for ten years. He was a pass rusher who was named to three Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams during his career.
55 years ago (5/15/63): Medical examiners conclude #Steelers‘ Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb died of heroin overdose. pic.twitter.com/Vbp3zetfxJ
— PGH Sports History (@PGH_Sports_Date) May 15, 2018
Lipscomb’s football career and life were cut short during the 1963 offseason. He died of a heroin overdose at the age of 31.
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