Ennis Haywood

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Ennis Haywood (December 5, 1979 – May 11, 2003) was an American football running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended Dallas Carter High School, where he fought back from an injury to rush for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. He also played defense and earned academic honors.

Haywood went to Iowa State University, where he became a key player. He started as a backup, then earned a starting role. As a junior, he rushed for 1,237 yards and 8 touchdowns, helping the team to a 9–3 season. In his senior year, he led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,169 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he finished his college career with 2,862 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. He was named to the first team All-Big 12 in 2000 and 2001.

He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He led the Cowboys in rushing during the preseason but was waived and joined the practice squad for the season. He was re-signed in 2003 to compete for a roster spot. Haywood died on May 11, 2003, after being hospitalized following a bout of vomiting in his sleep; it was later noted that a mix of asthma medications and alcohol contributed to his death. He was married and had two children.