Ronald Edward Springs (born November 4, 1956 in Williamsburg, Virginia) is a former professional American football running back. He played 8 seasons in the NFL, six for the Dallas Cowboys 1979 to 1984 and two for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1985 to 1986. He is also the father of current Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs.

Career

College

Springs attended Coffeyville Community College in 1975, where his 2,047 rushing yards remains a school record. The following year he enrolled at the Ohio State University, where he played three years under head coach Woody Hayes and led the Buckeyes in both rushing (1,166 yards) and receiving (16 catches for 90 yards) in 1977. In 1978 he was elected as a team co-captain.

Personal life

Since 1990 Springs has had type 2 Diabetes, which led to him having both his right foot and two toes from the left amputated. In 2004, needing a kidney, he was placed on the national transplant list. Though his son Shawn offered to end his career and donate his kidney, Ron refused.^[1] In 2006 former teammate and best friend Everson Walls agreed to donate one of his kidneys, and the transplant took place in March.^[2] On Tuesday, October 16, 2007 it was reported that Springs slipped into a coma after going into cardiac arrest while having an operation performed on an elbow cyst the previous weekend. He currently remains in this state, and his son has left his team to be with Ron during this time. Doctors have recently reported that there is no chance of Springs surviving.^[3]

Trivia

• Springs was the last Buckeye with less than 100 yards (100 m) receiving on a season to lead the team in receptions that season.
• Played with Lawrence Taylor in High School.

References