Former NFL wide receiver James Hardy was found dead this week in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 31. He was most recently with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, but before that he played for the Buffalo Bills, Hardy was a record-setting wide receiver at Indiana.
The former Hoosiers star was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2007 when he set a school record with 16 touchdowns. Hardy is the school's all-time leader in career receptions (191), receiving yards (2,740) and receiving touchdowns (36).
Hardy also played one year of college basketball in 2004-05.
Indiana University Athletics is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of James Hardy.https://t.co/Slf731eCGj pic.twitter.com/Am10vn1GkF
— Indiana Football (@HoosierFootball) June 8, 2017
"Indiana University Athletics is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of James Hardy," the school said in an official release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
Hardy was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
A school report from 2007 reflects on his record-breaking touchdown receptions against Penn State.
