RIP Damien Nash

Damien Nash, 1982-2007

Just two months after Darrent Williams was killed in a New Year's Eve drive-by shooting, another Denver Broncos player has died. Running back Damien Nash collapsed yesterday and was pronounced dead. No cause of death has been determined.

Damien attended Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College for two years until he was academically eligible, then transferring to the University of Missouri. There he showed talent but clashed with coaches, leaving school and entering the 2005 NFL draft, where the Tennessee Titans selected Damien in the fifth round. Before the 2006 season, the Broncos signed Damien as a free agent, and though he played sparingly, Mike Shanahan's Broncos have demonstrated an eye for ball-carrying talent.

Damien's brother Darris had recently had a heart transplant and Damien was playing in a charity basketball game benefiting the heart transplant research foundation in his brother's name. Witnesses said Damien did not appear in distress before collapsing.

Damien's passing comes just two days after the sudden death at 52 of former Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, a hero of mine growing up and a player that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Damien Nash was 24.



Damien Nash: uncredited photo from the Columbia Misssourian