‘He had a heart of gold’: Teammates remember football star, Jacksonville native Otis Anderson Jr.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The community is mourning the loss of a beloved football star Tuesday.

Police confirmed former University of Central Florida football player and Jacksonville native Otis Anderson Jr. was shot and killed by his father, Otis Lee Anderson Sr., Monday night.

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Former teammates and friends of Otis are expressing their grief for the loss on social media, remembering Otis as a genuine, good soul with an off-the-charts personality.

The police report explained how a dog bite led to an argument and then the shooting Monday night. Police said Otis’ girlfriend’s dog bit his father, which made him upset.

Otis and his father got into an argument, which ended in his mother, Denise, telling Otis to go back upstairs in their house. Denise and her husband then got into a fight, in which Anderson Sr. then flipped a recliner. Otis came back downstairs and got into an argument with his father.

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Denise told police she thought the two were going to fight each other. She told police the two separated, then Anderson Sr. went into the garage and came back inside.

The rest of the report is hidden because of state law.

Police said Otis was shot in the chest and back. Denise had multiple graze wounds and has since been released from the hospital, according to the report.

Anderson Sr. made his first appearance in court Tuesday. Anderson is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He was given no bond.

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“It just sucks that this happened to him. People say, you know, a good soul gone too soon. He truly is a great soul that’s gone way too soon,” Mac Loudermilk, former UCF football player and former teammate of Otis, said.

Loudermilk, along with his other teammates, woke up to the devastating news Tuesday morning that one of their brothers was dead.

“Some guys are doing better than others,” Loudermilk said.

Loudermilk said his teammates believe Otis went out as a hero.

“That’s the guy that Otis was. He would always do the right thing. Just a bad situation,” Loudermilk said.

Loudermilk said as he and his other teammates hurt, they’re also remembering the fonder memories they have of Otis.

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“Remember Otis for his smiling and always being happy and upbeat,” Loudermilk said.

Folks in Orlando are also hurting.

“I honestly teared up,” Orlando teacher Stacey Foskey said.

The news of Otis’ passing shocked Foskey.

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She said she only met Otis a handful of times, but she said those short encounters were something special, not only for her, but her fourth grade class.

“You could just tell he had a heart of gold,” Foskey said.

Foskey met Otis at a UCF spring football game a couple years ago when Otis offered to come meet her fourth graders. She said it was the best day ever for her students and for her.

“He was such a genuine person. He was so kind, and all the kids just absolutely adored him,” Foskey said.

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In just one day, Otis’ impact was felt for years.

For those who knew him longer, they said they’ll never forget him.

“He was one of the hardest workers on the football team,” University Christian School head football coach David Penland said.

Penland remembers Otis as a self-motivator. He said the two kept in touch years after he graduated.

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“He gave everything he had to our school and football team,” Penland said.

Rodney Hill, Otis’ former strength coach at UCF, said he and Otis were like family.

“Otis was a joy to be around; he was like a little brother to me. During my time at UCF, we grew really close and I just wanted to see him succeed,” Hill said. “He was a phenomenal football player and (an) even better person. I am deeply saddened for him and his family, and will uplift them in prayer through these tough times.”

Action News Jax is still working to learn the last moments that led up to the shooting.

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Anderson Sr. is expected to be in court again on Dec. 22.

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams gave the following statement regarding the shooting:

“The men and women of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office join me in mourning with the Anderson family as they deal with last night’s incredible tragedy. While the investigation continues to be carried out, we would encourage everyone to keep the family in your prayers as they work through this very difficult time.”

PHOTOS: Former UCF, University Christian football player Otis Anderson Jr. through the years

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Otis Anderson Jr. A former University of Central Florida football player died after being shot by his father in Jacksonville on Monday, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.

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