Former Cowboys running back Ron Springs died of a heart attack Thursday at the age of 54.
Health problems followed Springs in the years after his playing career ended. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1990 and received a kidney transplant in March of 2007. Six months later he was undergoing an operation to remove a cyst from his left elbow when he suffered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma.
"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," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "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."
In 2004, Doctors told Springs that he needed a new kidney. He was on a waiting list for a transplant in 2006 when former Cowboys teammate Everson Walls volunteered to donate one of his kidneys in a life-saving procedure.
The two formed the Ron Springs & Everson Walls Gift For Life Foundation to spread awareness about kidney disease and the donor process.
Springs, who grew up in Williamsburg, Va. and played collegiately at Ohio State, spent six seasons with the Cowboys, from 1979-84, before finishing his career with two seasons as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Springs is survived by his wife, Adriane, and son Shawn Springs, the NFL cornerback.
