Cedric Killings, who played in the NFL from 2000-2007 before a fractured vertebra ended his career, died at 45 from lung cancer on June 21,“My love, my best friend, my husband of 21 years is no longer physically with me but he lives in my heart and in the hearts of our 3 children,” his wife Shavon posted on Facebook June 23. “I’m comforted in knowing he is resting and no longer in pain, but I’m still at a loss and can’t believe this is real.
“Cedric was a fantastic person, player, father, husband, teammate and most importantly, a man of God,” saidMike Clowney, who played with Killings during the 1996 season. “We are praying for and grieve with Cedric’s family during this difficult time.” Killings went undrafted but was signed by the 49ers in 2000 and collected a career-high three sacks, including his first in the league against Troy Aikman.Defensive tackle Cedric Killings #97 of the Houston Texans is assisted off the field by medical staff after suffering an injury in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts September 23, 2007 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.