Former Nebraska and Canadian Football League running back Dahrran Diedrick died Saturday after a fight with cancer. He was 44.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Diedrick played for the Cornhuskers from 1999-2002. He led the Big 12 with 1,299 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns in 2001, finishing his career with 2,745 rushing yards and 26 TDs in 47 games.

“It’s really sad,” former Nebraska coach Frank Solich said. “Great kid. Huge heart in everything he did. I enjoyed being around him. I enjoyed coaching him and I think the players enjoyed being around him. He was a warrior.”

Diedrick signed with the then-San Diego Chargers after going undrafted in 2003 and also spent time with the Green Bay Packers and the Washington franchise. He appeared in his only NFL game with Washington in 2004.

Diedrick won three Grey Cup titles during a 10-year CFL career with the Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“I won two championships with Dahrran and he was a very important piece of our team,” former Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo said. “He was always in a good mood and got along with everyone in our dressing room. He leaves us far too young.”

We’re saddened to learn of the passing of former Alouettes running back Dahrran Diedrick.

Our deepest condolences go out to Dahrran’s family, friends and former teammates: https://t.co/OQ2b3ruACb pic.twitter.com/PgMripgH9G

— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes) June 24, 2023

Diedrick was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma in 2014 and retired after that season. He rushed for 872 yards and six touchdowns in 130 career CFL regular season games.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends, family, and former coaches and teammates of Dahrran Diedrick during this difficult time,” CFL commisioner Randy Ambrosie tweeted. “Another life tragically cut short by cancer.”

–Field Level Media