Quote:Dallas Cowboys running back Ennis Haywood was on life support late Saturday after he became ill in his sleep and stopped breathing early Saturday morning.

Haywood's sister-in-law, Angela Jerrigan, said Haywood began vomiting in his sleep at about 4 a.m. Saturday, then stopped breathing about two hours later, The Dallas Morning News reported Sunday. His family then called 911.

Haywood, 24, was taken to Medical Center of Arlington. No further information on his condition was available Sunday afternoon. Attempts by The Associated Press to reach Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys vice president and director of player personnel, were unsuccessful.

A message left for Haywood's agent, Ronald Del Duca, was not immediately returned Sunday afternoon.

"We're praying for him,'' Jerrigan said.

Haywood participated in the Cowboys' three-day mini-camp last week and was expected to compete for a roster spot at halfback.

The Cowboys placed Haywood, an undrafted free agent from Iowa State, on the practice squad last season. He led the team in rushing during the preseason with 120 yards on 31 carries.

Haywood, a Dallas native, finished fifth on Iowa State's all-time rushing list with 2,862 yards and sixth in touchdowns with 27. As a senior, he rushed for 1,169 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Big 12.

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Unfortunately, this took a bad turn for the worse....thoughts and prayers to the family.....


Cause of Haywood's death unknown

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Associated Press


DALLAS -- Dallas Cowboys running back Ennis Haywood died Sunday, a day after being placed on life support with an undisclosed illness. He was 23.

Haywood died at Medical Center of Arlington, hospital spokeswoman Diane Stout said.

"The cause of death at this time is unknown,'' she told The Associated Press. She said she doesn't know what Haywood was being treated for.

Haywood was taken to the hospital early Saturday after waking up feeling ill and vomiting, Iowa State director of media relations Tom Kroeschell told the AP on Sunday. Kroeschell said he got the information about the former Cyclones player from the school's football coach, Dan McCarney.

Haywood participated in the Cowboys' three-day minicamp last week and was expected to compete for a roster spot at halfback.

"This is a time to offer support and deepest sympathy to the family,'' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "Our hearts go out to them. This is a tragedy involving a person who was very well-liked and respected by anyone who had the opportunity to know him.''

Haywood, an undrafted free agent, was on the Cowboys' practice squad last season. He led the team in rushing in the preseason with 120 yards on 31 carries.

"It's such a shock because I talked to him every single day,'' Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams said. "I just talked to him on Thursday and everything was fine.

"Every time I talked to him, he was never negative and always spirited. I know he was so excited about this season,'' Adams said. "He was in the weight room a lot and just getting ready. He kept saying this was going to be his year.''

Haywood ranks fifth in career rushing at Iowa State with 2,862 yards, and sixth in touchdowns with 27. As a senior, he ran for 1,169 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Big 12.

"Like everyone in the Cyclones' football family, we are shocked and saddened beyond words,'' McCarney said Sunday. "Ennis was one of the classiest gentlemen there has ever been, on and off the field. He was an unbelievable competitor, and one of the most tenacious football players I've ever been around.''

The Dallas Morning News first reported that Haywood was hospitalized in its Sunday editions. The newspaper said Haywood remained on life support late Saturday and that he had stopped breathing early Saturday.

Sad news. :(

Man that's sad. I remember watching him at ISU, I thought he was going to have a great NFL career. It's sad that we'll never know.

:eek: :(

That's just AWFUL.


My thoughts and prayers go out to his family

You never know when it will get ya........keep that in mind every day. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Anybody hear how this happened?

Herd Fan 4-Life Wrote:Anybody hear how this happened?

Nobody knows...........