Former Clemson RB C.J. Fuller Dies at Age 22

C.J. Fuller, former Clemson running back, has died, the school confirmed Wednesday night. He was 22. 

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.’s family,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “I’ve known C.J. a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues [in South Carolina] all the way through Easley High School. I’m proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all his accomplishments of being a Clemson graduate. Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace.” 

Though details on the cause of death have yet to be determined, a source close to Fuller says it may have been a direct result of complications from a knee surgery. 

According to TMZ, Fuller tore his ACL playing flag football two weeks prior to his death and had surgery to repair the injury at the end of September. 

On Wednesday, Fuller went to his first session at physical therapy and completed it without issue. But, when he got back home, sources say he “went to the ground.” 

He was immediately rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead shortly after. 

Fuller’s ended his Clemson career with 599 rushing yards and four touchdowns in three seasons. He was also part of the 2016 national championship team  and started in his position for the first three games of the following season.

Our condolences to the Fuller family!