Melvin Foster, a former standout linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes and a Harris County, Texas, sheriff's deputy for nearly 15 years, has died. He was 59. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described the death as unexpected in a post on X on January 9, 2024.[1][2]
Foster played high school football at Jack Yates High School in Houston, graduating in the class of 1986. He helped the team win the Texas 5A state championship in 1985 and earned USA Today All-American and All-State honors.[1][3]
At the University of Iowa from 1988 to 1991, Foster was a linebacker who led the Hawkeyes in tackles during his junior season in 1990 (108 tackles) and senior season in 1991 (113 tackles). He was part of the 1990 Iowa team that won the Big Ten Conference championship with an 8-0 conference record and appeared in the 1991 Rose Bowl, a 46-34 loss to Washington.[3][4]
After college, Foster spent time with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 but did not appear in any regular-season games.[3][5]
Foster joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office, where he served as a deputy and field training officer. He was inducted into the Harris County High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Gonzalez noted Foster's legacy as an "incredible man and public servant" and an "impactful leader."[1]
An online obituary described Foster as a "giving man with a big heart."[2]
Sources
- Harris County Sheriff's Office. "We’re saddened by the recent and unexpected passing of our teammate, @HCSOTexas Deputy Melvin Foster." January 9, 2024. https://x.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1744927284563204315
- Fox News. "Former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker, Harris County deputy Melvin Foster dies at 59." January 10, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-iowa-hawkeyes-linebacker-harris-county-deputy-melvin-foster-dies-59
- Harris County Sheriff's Office. Player background details in tribute post. January 9, 2024. https://x.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1744927284563204315
- Sports-Reference.com. "1990 Iowa Hawkeyes Stats" and "Melvin Foster College Stats." Accessed January 2024. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/1990.html
- Pro-Football-Reference.com. "Melvin Foster." Accessed January 2024. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostMe20.htm
