Wide receiver Sean Dawkins, who spent nine seasons in the NFL after a standout collegiate career at Cal, died at 52.
No cause of death has been announced.
“Rest in peace, Sean Dawkins,” Colts owner Jim Irsay posted on X, formally known as Twitter. “I am shocked and saddened. My prayers and condolences to Sean’s family.”
Dawkins, who was born in Red Bank, NJ, made a name for himself at the University of California, Berkeley in the ’90s.
In 1990, Cal won a bowl game for the first time since the 1930s, defeating Wyoming 17-15 in the Copper Bowl as the Bears finished in the Top 10 the following season.
In 1992, Dawkins led the nation with 14 receiving touchdowns and tallied 1,070 yards on 65 catches.
Dawkins scored 31 receiving touchdowns during his three seasons at Cal, which remains a program record.
Dawkins was inducted into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.
“Heartbroken over the tragic loss of Sean Dawkins, a true legend of the @Cal Bear community,” NBA legend Jason Kidd said. “His remarkable talent brought joy to fans and inspired many. Our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sean.”
Dawkins was a first-round pick in the 1993 NFL draft and played with the Colts, Saints, Seahawks and Jaguars.
He was a member of the Colts playoff teams in 1994 and 1995.
In the 1995 Wild Card game, Dawkins hauled in a go-ahead 42-yard touchdown pass from Jim Harbaugh in a 35-20 upset victory over the Chargers.
“Another one of my teammates, Sean Dawkins has passed away at age 52,” former Colt Dr. Derwin Gray tweeted. “Sean and I were in the Colts 1993 Draft Class. He was one of the first big WR in the NFL at 6’5, 220. He was elegant, such a marvelous football player. Tough day.”
His best statistical season came with the Seahawks in 1999, as he set career-highs with seven touchdowns, 992 receiving yards and 17.1 yards per reception as Seattle made the playoffs for the first time since 1988.
Dawkins also caught a touchdown pass in the Wild Card game, though Seattle would lose to Miami.
He spent 2001 with the Jaguars and signed in 2002 with the Vikings but was cut before the season began.
After retiring, he became involved in the real estate industry and pursued a career in law enforcement, training to become a police officer, according to The Daily Californian.