LA Rams mourn the tragic loss of former RB Otis Anderson Jr.

Former LA Rams running back Otis Anderson Jr. lost his life on Monday night, November 29, 2021. Per Casey Feindt, of the First Coast News Staff, the father of the UCF football star who was killed in a Monday night shooting in Northwest Jacksonville has been charged with the alleged murder. According to the report from First Coast News, a local law enforcement source did confirm that Anderson Jr’s father, Otis Lee Anderson, was booked into the Duval County jail.

The LA Rams signed Otis Anderson Jr. in July 2021 to give depth to the running back room and a bit of boost to the team’s return efforts. Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this news was the utter joy that this young man expressed to be given a chance to compete on the Rams roster.

Otis Anderson Jr. never had an easy track to earn a spot on the LA Rams, or any NFL Team’s, roster. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 179-pounds, his best shot was to catch the coaching staff’s eye with astounding speed or elusiveness. Unable to achieve either, he was waived by the team and signed on to the practice squad.

The Rams eventually cut him, as the team sought to reinforce other needs. He was able to land another opportunity.

NBC Miami confirms that his father, Otis Sr., was arrested Tuesday morning and faces two counts of second-degree murder, the station reported.

The latest information received about the incident was described this way:

"“The fight started after the former running back’s father was bit by a dog belonging to Anderson’s girlfriend. Anderson got into a verbal fight with his 52-year-old father, and his mother urged him to go back upstairs. Anderson’s father and mother then began arguing and the senior Anderson flipped over a recliner, causing Anderson to come back downstairs to check on his mother’s well-being, according to the arrest report.”- per NBC 6 Miami Florida"

Amidst tragic news like this, we can only offer our hopes and prayers for everyone impacted by this saddening news. Otis Anderson Jr. had an infectious smile and a bright future. It’s crushing to learn that he was taken from us far too soon.