Former NFL and California record-setting wide receiver Sean Dawkins has died at the age of 52.
After a standout collegiate career at Cal, Dawkins was selected by the Colts with the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 1993 NFL draft.
His death, which was announced by Colts owner Jim Irsay on social media late Thursday evening, was a shock to the NFL world.
“Rest in peace, Sean Dawkins,” Irsay posted on Thursday night. “I am shocked and saddened. My prayers and condolences to Sean’s family.”
Rest in peace, Sean Dawkins. I am shocked and saddened. My prayers and condolences to Sean’s family. 🙏
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 10, 2023
The 6’ 4”, 215 pound wideout was a top target of Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh in the 1995 AFC championship game against Pittsburgh. In what would become an instant classic, Dawkins led all receivers with a game-high seven receptions for 96 receiving yards. However, Indianapolis came up a failed Hail Mary short of appearing in Super Bowl XXX, suffering a heartbreaking 20–16 loss to the Neil O’Donnell led Steelers.
After five seasons with the Colts, Dawkins spent time with the Saints, Seahawks and Jaguars. During his nine seasons in the NFL, Dawkins hauled in 251 passes for 3,511 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In 1992, Dawkins set a Cal school record when he led all NCAA wideouts with 14 receiving touchdowns, a mark that remains a Golden Bears record to this day.
