JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former University of Central Florida football player died after being shot by his father in Jacksonville on Monday, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies said Otis Anderson Jr., 23, died and his mother, Denise Anderson, was hurt in the shooting in North Jacksonville.
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Anderson Jr. played for the Knights from 2017 to 2020 before being signed to the LA Rams practice squad, but he never officially played in the NFL.
The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. Monday on the 5200 block of Johnson Lake Court, which is near Interstate 295 and Dunn Avenue.
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Deputies said Anderson Jr. appeared to have gunshot wounds on his chest and shoulder blade.
Investigators said Denise Anderson suffered several graze wounds, and was treated at the hospital before being released.
Deputies said Denise told them her husband, Otis Anderson Sr., was bitten by Anderson Jr.’s girlfriend’s dog, which led to a verbal argument between father and son prior to the shooting.
Deputies said Anderson Sr. is facing one charge of second-degree murder and an additional charge of attempted second-degree murder.
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Investigators said they aren’t looking for any other suspects.
UCF Football confirmed Anderson Jr.’s death on Tuesday.
“He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation,” the team tweeted.
We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr. He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation.
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) November 30, 2021
Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved Otis. He was taken too soon and will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/b99DfoDytl
UCF’s athletic director Terry Mohajir tweeted about Anderson’s death on Tuesday morning.
“My brief interaction with him was special - he cared very deeply for UCF,” Mohajir wrote on Twitter. “I’m hopeful that all who knew him can somehow find peace, especially his teammates.”
Thank you Marc. My brief interaction with him was special - he cared very deeply for UCF. I’m hopeful that all who knew him can somehow find peace, especially his teammates. https://t.co/NnQEivTswG
— Terry Mohajir (@TerryMohajirAD) November 30, 2021
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Former UCF football coach Josh Heupel said on Twitter that he was “saddened and stunned” by Anderson’s passing.
“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.”
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
Current UCF football head coach Gus Malzahan also tweeted his condolences following Anderson Jr.’s death.
Heart broken to hear of Otis’ passing. Had the pleasure of meeting him in the Spring and I know he was beloved by his teammates and Knight Nation. Gone way too soon. https://t.co/Dyx83l07vp
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) November 30, 2021
Channel 9′s sister station Action News Jax contributed to this report.
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