Dontae Walker, a prominent running back for the Mississippi State Bulldogs from 1999 to 2002, has passed away at the age of 44. The university announced his death on Saturday.

Mississippi State released a statement on X, expressing their condolences: "The Mississippi State Family mourns the passing of Dontae Walker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates."

Walker began his college football journey with the Bulldogs in 1999, showcasing his potential with a commendable freshman season. He rushed for 384 yards and scored three touchdowns. His performance truly flourished in the subsequent 2000 and 2001 seasons, accumulating over 1,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He also participated in the memorable 2000 Independence Bowl, often referred to as "The Snow Bowl."

Unfortunately, Walker's time at Mississippi State concluded on a difficult note. He played in only eight games during the 2002 season and was ultimately removed from the team before the year's end. His final collegiate game was marked by a disheartening experience where he was met with boos from some fans, leading him to leave the field and head to the locker room.

In a 2013 interview with the Clarion-Ledger, Walker expressed regret over his reaction, wishing he had been able to ignore the negativity at the time. He acknowledged the positive contributions he made to the team, including helping to secure bowl game victories and recruiting new players. He ultimately learned from the experience.

Walker's career stats include 1,875 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. Following his college career, he faced legal challenges related to drug possession in 2005, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence. He was released in 2009. At the time of his arrest, he was playing for the Birmingham Steeldogs of the Arena Football League.

While Walker never had the opportunity to play in the NFL, he achieved academic success, earning a bachelor's degree from Belhaven University in 2013.