Former NFL player Keith McCants found dead

Former NFL player Keith McCants was found dead at his Florida home from an alleged drug overdose, investigators said.

He was 53 years old.

Officers from Pinellas County were dispatched to the scene at 5:10 a.m. McCants was found dead.

« It seems to be a overdose, but we are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiners, ”said police spokeswoman Amanda Sinni. “The investigation is still open. « 

McCants, a linebacker, was the 4th overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The former University of Alabama played three seasons in Tampa before joining the former Houston Oilers and the Arizona Cardinals. He ended his career in 1995.

He has been arrested many times for drug possession during his lifetime.

His longtime friend and St Petersburg mayoral candidate Robert Blackmon said he and others close to McCants tried to get him to get his life back on track in 2010.

McCants also had financial problems, as explained in ESPN’s documentary titled Broke (Broken), about former professional players who went bankrupt or in other money related issues.

During his 88-game NFL career, he recorded 192 tackles, 13.5 sacks and an interception returned on 46 yards for a touchdown.