Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick Keith McCants has passed away on Thursday at the age of 53. The former Alabama star was the Bucs' fourth overall selection of the 1990 NFL Draft and went on to play six seasons at the NFL level. McCants' death is currently being investigated by the police, according to Spectrum News.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s office and the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Thursday that they are involved in the death investigation of McCants.
McCants was an absolute star with the Alabama Crimson Tide, and unfortunately, his NFL career didn't go as everybody had hoped. McCants was also the 1989 Iron Bowl MVP and will be remembered forever for his stellar play at the University of Alabama. He spent three seasons with the Bucs, totaling 12 sacks across those seasons. After that, his career fell off as he spent time with the Houston Oilers and Arizona Cardinals.
According to Greg Auman of The Athletic, it appears that McCants' tragic death is the case of a drug overdose.
I can confirm the sad news that former Bucs linebacker Keith McCants, 53, was found dead this morning in his St. Petersburg home. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said it is believed to be from a drug overdose.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 2, 2021
Just an awful turn of events for Keith McCants and everybody involved. Thoughts and prayers go out to McCants' family, friends, and everybody involved in this tragic death of the former Bucs star.