Former Alouettes running back Dahrran Diedrick has died at 44

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Dahrran Diedrick, a former running back for the Montreal Alouettes, has died. He was 44.

News of Diedrick’s passing was shared by his former team on Twitter.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Diedrick played for the Alouettes from 2006 to 2013 and won two Grey Cups during that time. Aside from his time in the CFL, Diedrick also played for San Diego, Green Bay and Washington in the NFL.

“Dahrran was a very good friend of mine in the locker room, and we kept in touch after our careers,” Eric Deslauriers, senior director of football operations with the Alouettes and Diedrick’s longtime teammate, said in a statement. “I remember a very physical player when he had the ball, no one could take it away from him. My thoughts are with his loved ones and his family, my heart is very heavy right now.”

During the 2014 CFL season, Diedrick was diagnosed with hepatosplenic gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of the disease originating in the spleen or liver. He underwent a stem-cell transplant, with his 20-year-old daughter, Dominique, serving as the donor. Signs of the illness had disappeared within 15 months.

“I won two championships with Dahrran, and he was a very important piece of our team,” said Anthony Calvillo, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach with the Alouettes. “He was always in a good mood and got along with everyone in our dressing room. He leaves us far too young, and I send my best thoughts to his loved ones.”