Former USF Football Player Mike Ford Dies Aged 37

Mike Ford, who was a standout high school football player in the Sarasota area, and who went on to play college football for the University of Southern Florida has reportedly died at the age of 37.

No details surrounding Ford’s sudden and tragic passing have currently been made public. We will be sure to update our audience once more information becomes available.

Ford even turned professional for a time, playing for the Toronto Argonaughts. He joined the team in August of 2010.

Mike Ford notched 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns with the Bulls during his time as USF.

Joey Knight, a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, posted the following message on his Twitter account announcing the death of the former football star,

Just hearing the tragic news that former USF Football tailback Mike Ford has passed away at age 38. Ford’s 23 career rushing TDs remain tied for fifth in Bulls history.

Joey Knight

While playing for Sarasota High School, Ford was a 5-star recruit at running back and had his best campaign during his senior season. In 2004, Ford rushed for 2,836 yards with 37 touchdowns. Ford’s best game came against Naples Lely, rushing for 368 yards. 

Sports Illustrated reports on his death,

The college football community is in mourning after learning that former USF running back Mike Ford passed away suddenly at the age of 37, the school announced.

No details around Ford’s death have been made public.

Ford played at USF from 2007 to 2009 and ran for 1,502 yards with 23 touchdowns, the latter mark being the fifth-highest total in program history.

Ford’s 10.4 yards per carry were also USF’s fifth-best mark all-time, and ranked No. 1 in school history for any player with at least 20 carries.

In his final college football game, Ford ran for a career-high 207 yards on 20 attempts, the 8th best single-game mark in program history.

Sports Illustrated

Rest in peace, Mike Ford!