Former UCF Running Back Shot And Killed, Father Charged

A former University of Central Florida football player, Otis Anderson Jr., was shot and killed Monday night in Jacksonville, Florida, and his father, Otis Anderson Sr., has been charged with first-degree murder of his son and first-degree attempted murder of his wife. 

Anderson Jr. was shot in the chest Monday night and was pronounced dead at the hospital.  The shooting occurred following an argument over a dog belonging to Anderson Jr.’s girlfriend, which allegedly bit Anderson Sr. according to police. 

“We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr.,” UCF Athletics wrote in a statement. “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.”

Denise Anderson, the mother of Anderson Jr. and wife of Anderson Sr., was taken to the hospital with “multiple graze wounds.” 

Anderson Jr. played for UCF football from 2017-2020, rushing for 2182 yards in his career. In his junior season, Anderson Jr. carried the ball 113 times for 726 yards and five touchdowns. Anderson Jr. also had 1025 yards receiving and nine touchdowns in his career. He went undrafted following his time at UCF, but spent time with the LA Rams during 2021 training camp and began the season on the practice squad before being released on September 20th. 

“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,” the Rams posted to social media. “Rest In Peace, Otis.”

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

Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke about Anderson Jr.’s time with the Rams.

“Just being around him, he had just such a bright smile,” McVay said. “He was always so engaged, had a good look in his eye. He was such a joy to be around. Such a shame. Unfortunately it just gives you such a perspective. I think about some of the things that I really get upset about and then you really think about all the different blessings. It was great to be able to be around him. Terribly sorry for him and all the people affected by that and they’re in our thoughts and prayers. Loved being around Otis and he was a real joy to be around.”

 Former UCF head coach Josh Heupel — who coached Anderson Jr. for three seasons, expressed his condolences. 

“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,” Heupel said. “He was an unbelievable teammate. My condolences go out to the entire UCF family.”

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. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ehG9JyoL5Q

— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) November 30, 2021

During Anderson Jr.’s time at UCF, the Golden Knights went 41-8, including going undefeated in his freshman season.

Current Rams cornerback and four-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey also reacted on Twitter. 

“Rest in Heaven Otis. We gotta do better on this earth smh. Big prayers up.”

Rest in Heaven Otis 🙏🏾
We gotta do better on this earth smh. Big prayers up 🙏🏾

— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) November 30, 2021

Anderson Sr. is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 22.

Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].

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