Former Texas A&M star Darren Lewis, who set rushing records in the late 1980s and overcame personal battles, passed away at 55 from cancer, his family announced Tuesday.

Lewis, a standout running back renowned for his record-setting performances at Texas A&M, faced numerous challenges off the field, including a battle with cocaine addiction and a lengthy prison sentence for armed robbery. Diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic squamous cell carcinoma while incarcerated, Lewis ultimately found solace and reform through religion and family support before his passing. His legacy includes notable achievements, such as breaking the Southwest Conference's career rushing record and earning first-team All-American honors, leaving a lasting impact on college football.

Darren Lewis was a prominent figure during his college years at Texas A&M, where he played football in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He achieved significant milestones, earning first-team All-American honors in both 1988 and 1990. Lewis' exceptional performance on the field included rushing for an impressive 5,012 yards and scoring 45 touchdowns. During his tenure, he broke Eric Dickerson's Southwest Conference total rushing yards record of 4,450 yards, setting a new benchmark for future athletes.

Lewis' college career was marked by standout moments, including finishing as the second-leading rusher in the country in 1988 and breaking the Southwest Conference career rushing record in 1990. His achievements made him a household name in college football and led to his selection in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.

Lewis transitioned to professional football with the Chicago Bears, where he played for three seasons. During his NFL career, he appeared in 33 games and started five games in the 1992 season. Despite a promising start, his professional career was overshadowed by personal challenges.

After his time in the NFL, Lewis struggled with cocaine addiction, which ultimately led to legal troubles. In 2014, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for a series of armed robberies in the Dallas area. His life took a dramatic turn while serving his sentence when he was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer known to spread to other parts of the body.

While incarcerated, Lewis found reform through religion and the support of his family. He often expressed that his time in prison saved his life by changing his outlook and allowing him to find solace in religion. After being released from prison, Lewis underwent treatment for his cancer.

Lewis' battle with cancer continued after his release from prison, and he remained resilient until his passing. His story is one of immense talent on the football field, personal redemption, and the relentless fight against a serious illness.

Darren Lewis' legacy is multifaceted, reflecting both his extraordinary achievements as a college football star and the complexities of his personal struggles. His record-setting performances at Texas A&M remain a significant part of the school's athletic history, and his story serves as a testament to the highs and lows that can define an athlete's life.

As the football community mourns the loss of Darren Lewis, his contributions to the sport and his journey of personal redemption will be remembered. He leaves behind a family who supported him through his challenges and a fan base who admired his talent and resilience.