Melvin Foster, former college football star who later served as Texas deputy sheriff, dead at 59

Melvin Foster, a erstwhile assemblage shot prima who aboriginal became a sheriff’s lawman successful Texas, has died, according to an online obituary. He was 59.

Foster was a standout linebacker with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was connected the squad that won a Big Ten Championship and made a Rose Bowl appearance. He led the squad successful tackles during his inferior and elder seasons.

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Melvin Foster was a Harris County, Texas, sheriff's lawman for 15 years. (Ed Gonzalez/@SheriffEd_HCSO/X)

After his collegiate vocation was over, helium had a little stint with the Dallas Cowboys.

He aboriginal joined the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office arsenic a lawman sheriff and a tract grooming officer. He was with the section for much than a decade.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described Foster’s decease arsenic "unexpected."

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An Iowa Hawkeyes helmet lays connected the tract earlier a shot crippled against the Indiana Hoosiers Sept. 27, 2025 astatine Kinnick Stadium successful Iowa City, Iowa. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

"We’re saddened by the caller and unexpected passing of our teammate, @HCSOTexas Deputy Melvin Foster," Gonzalez wrote connected X. "Melvin was an unthinkable antheral and nationalist servant. He leaves down a beardown legacy. He served Harris County for astir 15 years.

"Melvin played for @JackYatesHigh, Class of 1986. He played linebacker for the shot squad and participated successful a authorities title successful 1985. He played assemblage shot for the @IowaFootball Hawkeyes and appeared successful the Rose Bowl successful 1991. He was awarded @USATODAY All-American, All-State honors.  He was a subordinate of the @dallascowboys successful 1992. He was inducted successful the @HC_HSA Hall of Fame.

"He was an impactful person and was beloved by his teammates. We widen our deepest condolences to his family. Melvin volition beryllium missed and ne'er forgotten."

A wide presumption of the stadium earlier the ReliaQuest Bowl betwixt the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Vanderbilt Commodores astatine Raymond James Stadium connected Dec. 31, 2025.  (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

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Foster was remembered successful his obituary arsenic a "giving antheral with a large heart."

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