Former Big 12 star, NFL player passes away at 46

Keith Loneker Jr. is a member of the Kansas Jayhawks football team that made four starts in 2016 and appeared in all 12 of his team's games. The young man went to Kansas and followed in the immense footsteps of his father, Keith Loneker Sr., who was a standout player for the Jayhawks before reaching

Keith Loneker Jr. is a member of the Kansas Jayhawks football team that made four starts in 2016 and appeared in all 12 of his team's games. The young man went to Kansas and followed in the immense footsteps of his father, Keith Loneker Sr., who was a standout player for the Jayhawks before reaching the NFL. Unfortunately, it was Loneker Jr. that broke tragic news about his father on Thursday, as he announced that the elder Loneker has passed away at the age of 46.

Rest In Peace to my hero, warrior and idol. My father has passed this morning and put up a hell of a fight. Appreciate the love.

— Keith Loneker (@Keithlon_Jr5) June 22, 2017

Loneker Sr. was diagnosed with cancer late in 2016 and things apparently deteriorated from there. The three-year NFL veteran starred for Kansas from 1989 through 1992 before landing with the Rams organization at the professional level. A 6'4  offensive tackle,  Loneker Sr. played in 19 games in the NFL from 1992-1995 and made five starts. He was a key member of the Kansas football community.

Following his playing days, Loneker Sr. also transitioned into a prominent role as an actor, receiving more than a dozen film and television credits that included placement in  recognizable movies such as "Superbad", "Jersey Boys" and "Leatherheads."

This is, quite obviously, a tragic day for his family and friends and we want to keep the entire community around Keith Loneker Sr. in our thoughts and prayers on the heels of his passing.

You Might Also Like

Big 12

A Big 12 player's football career has tragically been ended way too soon

By

NFL

Kurt Warner's Son E.J. Is Continuing His Dad's Football Legacy as Temple's QB

By

Big 12

Kansas quarterback injures himself playing the wrong sport before spring practice

By

NFL

Eric Dickerson Found Love Again & Enjoys His Beautiful Family

By

ncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2BYvK24xKCcZp6fpMGjrculZpuhl2J%2Bc3vKnqCtoF2hvK%2Bxyp6pZquiYrimtdOhZKWnnpq4pr6Mo6lmo5GjwKK%2FjKWmrGWRo7SmuMSsZKuZnah6pbXEnWScmZ6YsrN7

 Share!