Iowa State Football Great Ennis Haywood, Dead at 23

AMES, Iowa - Dallas Cowboy Ennis Haywood, a two-time first-team all-Big 12 running back at Iowa State, where he is the fifth-leading rusher in Cyclone history, died Sunday in Dallas, Texas. He was 23.

Haywood, who rushed for 2,862 yards for ISU between 1998 and 2001, became ill early Saturday morning. Further details were not available.

"Everybody is shocked and deeply saddened," Iowa State head coach Dan McCarney said. "He was a phenomenal father, husband and football player. Ennis was at the heart of our turnaround here. He's in God's hands now."

Haywood's 3,468 career all-purpose yards rank fourth in Cyclone history. His 27 career rushing touchdowns rank sixth all-time. Haywood led the Big 12 Conference and ranked 10th nationally in rushing (123.7 ypg) during the 2000 season, in which Iowa State posted a 9-3 record, including an Insight.com Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. Haywood averaged 5.0 yards per carry during his career in which he was Iowa State's named offensive MVP three times. Only Troy Davis averaged more career yards per carry (5.6 ypc) than Haywood.

Iowa State running backs coach Tony Alford recruited Haywood out of Dallas-Carter High School in 1998.

"Ennis was like a son to my wife Trina and I," Alford said. "He was the toughest player I have ever coached. Ennis always had a smile for you. He was a great kid and I was lucky to have known him. Coaches teach players but some players also teach coaches. I grew as a coach while I was able to teach him."

Haywood was a Doak Walker Award semi-finalist in 2001. After signing an NFL free agent contract with the Dallas, he led the Cowboys in rushing during the 2002 pre-season, earning a spot on Dallas' practice squad last fall.

Haywood is survived by his wife Crystal and one daughter. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Iowa State University Athletics

Iowa State Football Great Ennis Haywood, Dead at 23

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