ESPN College Football

GREELEY, Colo. -- Former University of Northern Colorado running back Adam Matthews died at his home in Thornton on Thursday, the school announced. He was 25.

Football team spokesman Eric Scott said it was his understanding that Matthews had a seizure. He had no other details.

"This is a terrible, terrible tragedy," said Bears running backs coach Keith Grable, who coached Matthews from 2000-03. "I feel sad for his family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him because he touched a lot of hearts."

Matthews, the son of former NFL fullback Bo Matthews, was the second-leading rusher in school history. His brother, Asa, is a junior linebacker for the Bears, who jumped from Division II to Division I-AA this season.

Adam Matthews was No. 2 on the all-time Northern Colorado career rushing list with 3,325 yards and held the record for most yards rushing in a season (1,653 in 2003) and yards rushing in a game (279 against Adams State in 2003). He scored 37 career touchdowns, including a record 21 in '03.

The two-time small college All-American tied an NCAA record in 2003 with 11 straight 100-yard rushing games.

Following his college career, Matthews spent time with the NFL's St. Louis Rams and Houston Texans, although he never played in a regular season game, and he also played for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.

His father starred at the University of Colorado from 1971-73 and went on to play in the NFL for the Dolphins, Chargers and Giants.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press