You’ve probably seen the name floating around social media or ticker tapes and done a double-take. No, we aren’t talking about the Oscar-nominated actor who has thoughts on how math works. We are talking about a young man whose life was centered on the gridiron and the track. Terrance Howard, the football player, was a kid with a massive smile and a future that seemed to be opening up right before it was cruelly taken away.
If you are looking for stats about an NFL career, you won't find them. That’s the tragedy. Terrance Howard was a 19-year-old athlete who had just finished his freshman year at the University of Alabama. He was a walk-on defensive back for the Crimson Tide, a role that requires more "want-to" than almost any other spot on a high-major roster.
Honestly, the world of college football is filled with stories of guys who grind in the shadows. Howard was one of them. He wasn't the five-star recruit with the NIL deals. He was the guy who showed up at 5:00 AM because he loved the game.
Who Was Terrance Howard the Football Player?
To understand why his story hit the coaching staff at Alabama so hard, you have to look at where he came from. Howard was a standout at Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas. He wasn't just a football player; he was a literal track star. We’re talking about a guy who was the District 20-6A 400m Champion with a personal record of 48.75 seconds. That kind of speed is rare.
He spent the 2023 season in Tuscaloosa. Think about that for a second. He was part of the last team Nick Saban ever coached. Even though he didn't see game action, he was there in the trenches, practicing against some of the best receivers in the country. He even traveled with the team to the Rose Bowl for the College Football Playoff.
But life as a walk-on is tough. You want to play. You want a scholarship. In April 2024, Howard decided to enter the transfer portal. He was looking for a fresh start and a place where his speed could actually get him on the field on Saturdays.
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He found that home at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). They offered him a full-ride scholarship. For a kid who had been paying his own way at Alabama, this was the dream finally manifesting. He was heading to Durham to play for one of the premier HBCU programs in the country.
The Tragic Incident on I-85
This is where the story turns into a parent’s worst nightmare. In late July 2024, Terrance was moving his life. He was driving from Alabama to North Carolina, hauling his belongings to start his new chapter at NCCU.
It was a stormy night near Salisbury, North Carolina. According to reports from the Highway Patrol and his family, Howard was involved in a minor "fender bender" on Interstate 85. Most people would be frustrated or angry. Terrance? He got out of his car to check on the person in the other vehicle.
"He got out of his car to check on the people in the other vehicle. When he made sure they were alright, he turned around and was hit by another passing vehicle." — Family statement to KPRC 2.
Basically, he was killed while trying to be a "good samaritan." He was struck by a third vehicle and suffered massive brain trauma. He was placed on life support at a hospital in Charlotte, but the damage was too severe. On August 1, 2024, at just 19 years old, Terrance Howard passed away.
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The Reaction from the Football World
The news rippled through the sport instantly. Even though he had transferred, the Alabama family didn't forget him. Kalen DeBoer, who took over for Saban, opened a press conference with a heartfelt tribute to Howard. He mentioned how many guys on the current roster were still grieving.
Nick Saban himself reached out to the family. That tells you something about the kid's character. You don't get a personal call from Saban unless you left a mark on the program.
Terrion Arnold, the Detroit Lions cornerback and former teammate, posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram: "You fought hard, soldier. Can't believe they would do you like that, bro. RIP."
Why This Story Sticks With Us
There’s a specific kind of sadness when a kid dies while doing something selfless. Howard wasn't speeding or being reckless. He was checking on a stranger in a rainstorm.
His family has been vocal about the circumstances. There was a lot of confusion early on because Terrance didn't have his ID on him when he was struck. It took days for his parents to even find out where he was. They eventually launched a GoFundMe to help with the sudden expenses, and the football community showed up, raising over $45,000 in a matter of days.
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The reality of college football is often seen through the lens of billion-dollar TV deals and Heisman trophies. But the heart of the sport is the 19-year-olds like Terrance Howard. The guys who love the locker room, the "silly songs" they sing during workouts (which his NCCU teammates mentioned), and the grind of the transition from boy to man.
How to Stay Safe in Roadside Emergencies
While we remember Terrance, there are some very real, practical lessons here for any athlete or student traveling for school. If you find yourself in a minor accident on a busy highway:
- Stay in the vehicle if it is safe to do so. The metal frame of your car is your best protection.
- Move to the shoulder immediately. Never stop in a live lane of traffic if the car is still movable.
- Call 911 first. Let the professionals with the flashing lights manage the scene before you step out.
- Exit on the non-traffic side. If you must get out, go through the passenger door to keep the car between you and oncoming traffic.
Terrance Howard’s name shouldn't just be a footnote or a search result mix-up with an actor. He was a son, a teammate, and a kid who was just days away from a full-ride scholarship and a starting role. He died being the person his coaches said he was: a leader who put others first.
If you're ever driving through Salisbury or Tuscaloosa, maybe keep a thought for #34. Speed and talent are great, but the world needs more people who stop to check if the other guy is okay. It’s just a shame it cost him everything.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check out the NCAA After the Game resources if you are a student-athlete navigating a transfer or a move. If you're looking to support the family, look for verified memorial funds through the Alabama Athletics or NCCU official alumni channels to ensure your contribution goes to the right place. Additionally, familiarize yourself with "Move Over" laws in your state—they exist specifically to prevent tragedies like this.