INDIANAPOLIS — Arnold Mickens, former Indianapolis Colts running back and Butler University Athletic Hall of Famer, has died at age 49.
Crispus Attucks High School, where Mickens was a ninth grade counselor, shared the news on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.
Mickens graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Indiana University before transferring to Butler. In his two seasons with the Bulldogs, he was a two-time All-American and set 18 NCAA Division I-AA game, season and career football records.
Butler Athletics shared a statement with 13News about his death:
“On the field, Arnold’s years at Butler included All-American honors and school records that still stand today. Off the playing field, during both his time at Butler and in later years, he impacted many in a positive way. He truly exemplified the values of The Butler Way. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Mickens led the nation in rushing in 1994 with an NCAA-record 2,255 yards. At the end of his final season with Butler, he ranked third on the Division I single-season rushing chart.
PHOTOS: Arnold Mickens at Butler
"Sympathies go out to the Arnold Mickens family with the passing of a @ButlerUFootball Great. 2X All American, Butler record holder and Hall of Famer. RIP #32," Ken LaRose, Mickens' coach and now Butler University associate athletic director for development, posted on Twitter.
Mickens spent one season in the NFL, appearing in three games with the Colts.
"We are devastated at the loss of our 9th grade counselor, Arnold Mickens," Crispus Attucks posted on Twitter. "Please pray for his family and the Attucks family. He truly had a heart for his students and his work! He'll be missed!"
Stuart Mortuary is handling the funeral arrangements.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the mortuary at 2201 N. Illinois St.
A celebration of life is set for Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.