INDIANAPOLIS -- On paper, Zurlon Tipton was basically just another player who was toward the bottom of the Indianapolis Colts' roster.
He went back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster. But during the 2014 playoffs, Tipton moved ahead of the disappointing Trent Richardson on the depth chart and was the team's backup running back. Tipton even scored the Colts' only touchdown in their 45-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game that season.
Tipton, who spent a lot of time on special teams, totaled 15 carries for 38 yards during the regular season in his two seasons with the team.
Inside the locker room, though, Tipton was often one of the main players who kept things loose. He liked to walk around the locker room with his shirt off, thinking he had one of the better physiques on the team. He often joked with his teammates and members of the team's media relations staff -- even the media wasn't off limits when it came to taking jabs from Tipton. He often (and I mean often) tried to tell me Zaxby's was better than Chick-fil-A.
Our thoughts are with the Tipton family during this difficult time. #RIPZurlon pic.twitter.com/QCLCCY5eqI
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 28, 2016
That was the Zurlon Tipton whom many inside the organization enjoyed being around. Tipton's life came to an end way too early at the age of 26 after he accidentally shot himself at a Michigan car dealership Tuesday.
#RIPLilBro #ZTip so sad!
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) June 28, 2016
"Zurlon was a dude you rooted for," Colts long snapper Matt Overton said. "An undrafted, talented, hard-working player who always seemed to have a smile on his face. His personality was contagious. In 2014, he finally got promoted to the active roster, and he was a key contributor on the 4th Down Army (special teams) and a tough backup running back. He was the hammer when on the field. He will always be our brother, he is family. Today is a tough day for many. Prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."
My heart & prayers go out to the family of Zurlon Tipton. A young talent & great teammate. #37🙏🏻
— Matt (@MattOverton_LS) June 28, 2016
I'm hurts me to hear the news of our brother taken from us far too early. #RIPTip
— D'Qwell Jackson (@DQ52) June 28, 2016
