Former Cowboys RB Springs dies after four years in coma

Former Cowboys RB Ron Springs has passed away after spending four years in a coma.

Springs, 54, had been in the coma since 2007 after losing oxygen as he was undergoing surgery to remove a cyst from his forearm. Springs had suffered from diabetes for 20 years and, just seven months earlier, received a kidney transplant from former teammate Everson Walls.

Although the coma was long-lasting, Walls said he always had retained hope that Springs would one day come out of it, according to the Associated Press.

"We are people of faith, and we never gave up hope that he would regain consciousness," Walls said. "He seemed to be holding his own. They say he just took a breath and he flat-lined.

"He was such a worldly person who touched so many lives in every area code."

Springs was drafted by the Cowboys in 1979 and recorded 2,519 rushing yards, 2,259 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his career.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued the following statement:

"Ron's life will always be remembered by the joy and laughter that he brought to others and the courage and toughness he displayed until the end. Regardless of the circumstances, he always had a smile for everyone. The Dallas Cowboys have lost a wonderful member of our family, and we share our thoughts and prayers with his family."

Springs' son, CB Shawn Springs, spent 13 seasons in the NFL from 1997-2009 with the Seahawks, Redskins and Patriots.

The NFLPA released the following statement:

"Today, the NFL Players Association was saddened to receive news on the passing of Ron Springs, a courageous fighter and inspirational man.  The remarkable story of former player Everson Walls donating his kidney to Ron showed us a pure passion for life and the true depth of a player's bond with his teammate.  It is a story no one in the football community will ever forget. We send our condolences to Ron's son Shawn, a former player, and to all of his family, friends and fans.  Ron will be fondly remembered by those who knew him for his remarkable selflessness and incredible faith."

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/13/former-cowboys-rb-springs-dies-after-four-years-in

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