Rod Shoate

Former Pats LB Rod Shoate will be part of the 2013 College Football Hall of Fame induction class. Unfortunately for him, he won't be part of the ceremony. He died of AIDS related illness back in 1999.

The honor come too late for an outstanding player who fought demons off the field. He was a four time Big-8 linebacker at Oklahoma and was part of the 1974 National Championship team. He was also a three time All-American selection.

The Pats drafted him as the 41st overall selection in the 2nd round of the 1975 draft which also included TE Russ Francis and QB Steve Grogan. Shoate was a vital part of the defense through the 1981 under Coach Chuck Fairbanks. He played another two seasons in the former USFL.

I wonder if traumatic head injuries played any roll in his post-career legal problems. He was arrested a number of times and served time in prison for various charges, including several related to illegal drugs. This might have hurt his chances for being inducted earlier.

He is among the many former NFL players who died too soon after their playing days were over.