Former Iowa football star and Dallas Cowboys player Melvin Foster has died, Iowa has announced. He was 59.
Foster was a linebacker for the Hawkeyes from 1987 to 1990, leading Iowa in tackles as a junior (116) and senior (107).
He helped Iowa win the Big Ten Championship in 1990, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Following his college career, Foster briefly played in the NFL and was a member of the Dallas Cowboys team in 1992.
A Houston native, once his football career ended, Melvin Foster served as a Harris County Deputy Sheriff Officer and Field Training Officer for 15 years.
“Melvin was a native Houstonian who loved his hometown,“ his obituary says. ”Melvin was also a devoted Christian father who cherished his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
“He loved baking and barbecuing, filling his home with warmth and delicious food. The best part was he always shared his creations with everyone around him — he was a giving man with a big heart.”
Foster shared Iowa team MVP honors in 1990 and finished his career with 337 tackles. He ranks 15th in school history in tackles for a career.
Arguably the best game of his career came in 1990 against Michigan State when he recorded 20 stops and intercepted a pass.
“Melvin’s legacy continues on in the lives he touched, both as a loving family man and as a mentor in his professional and athletic endeavors,“ his obituary continues. ”He truly gave his heart and love to everyone he met with no questions asked.
“Melvin’s memory will be forever cherished by his family, friends, fellow officers, those he helped during his time of service, and all who knew him.”