Sean Dawkins dead at age 52: tributes paid to ex-Colts NFL star and All-American wide receiver at Cal
- Sean Dawkins was a college football star who played in the NFL for nine years
- A cause of death has not yet been announced, but numerous tributes have been received
- offers the latest international sports news
Numerous tributes are pouring in for nine-year NFL veteran wide receiver Sean Dawkins, who passed away at the age of just 52.
Dawkins was a collegiate-level superstar, earning overall All-American honors with California before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and going on to play for five different teams.
Colts owner Jim Irsay – who selected Dawkins in the 1993 draft – took to social media to pay tribute to the New Jersey native, writing, “Rest in Peace Sean Dawkins.” I am shocked and saddened. “My prayers and condolences go out to Sean’s family.”
No cause of death was announced.
Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Dawkins became a star at the University of California in the ’90s by helping the team win a bowl game for the first time since the 1930s.
During his time at the school, he scored 31 touchdowns – still a record for the program – and was inducted into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.
From there, Dawkins began his NFL career with the Colts before moving on to the Saints, Seahawks, Jaguars and Vikings.
In his NFL career, he played 140 games and scored 25 total touchdowns.
“Heartbroken by the tragic loss of Sean Dawkins, a true legend of the @Cal Bear community,” wrote NBA legend Jason Kidd on X, formerly known as Twitter. “His remarkable talent brought joy to fans and inspired many.” Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace Sean.’
Elsewhere, former Colt Dr. Derwin Gray: “Another of my teammates, Sean Dawkins, passed away at the age of 52. Sean and I were drafted for the Colts in 1993.” He was one of the first tall WRs in the NFL at 6’2”. He was elegant, a wonderful football player. Tough day.’
Dawkins had his prime in Indianapolis, making the playoffs in 1994 and 1995. In the latter, he caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Jim Harbaugh in a wildcard win over the Chargers.
Statistically, his best year in the league came in 1999 with the Seahawks when he had seven touchdowns, 992 receiving yards and 17.2 yards per reception.
It was widely reported that Dawkins turned to real estate after retiring from the sport, while also pursuing a career in law enforcement and training to be a police officer.