Oklahoma Sooners

Former Oklahoma running back Mike Gaddis dies at age 50

Published Aug. 13, 2019 1:16 p.m. ET

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former University of Oklahoma running back Mike Gaddis, who former coach Barry Switzer called the best running back from the state of Oklahoma he ever signed, has died. He was 50.

Switzer told The Associated Press Tuesday that Gaddis' father-in-law told him Gaddis died Monday at his home in Oklahoma City. A cause of death was not released.

Gaddis signed with OU out of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, and as a sophomore in 1989 rushed for 829 yards in six games before suffering a severe knee injury against Texas.

Gaddis returned in 1991 to rush for more than 1,300 yards and was a sixth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings, but never played in the NFL.

Switzer said funeral services were incomplete.