Remembering Otis Anderson 💔✌🏻
"Juice", as he was known to teammates, was beloved for his larger-than-life personality. His senseless death sent shockwaves through Knight Nation.
He was fast. He ran with fury. His smile was unforgettable.
Otis Anderson Jr.’s personality and charm were brighter than any of his talents between the hashmarks. His teammates in Orlando adored him. His friends in Jacksonville beloved him.
On Monday night, the former UCF football star was senselessly killed in a chilling shooting that happened in his own parents’ home, with his father as the accused killer.
What we know
According to police, when they arrived at the Jacksonville home around 9:30 p.m. on Monday night, Anderson Jr. was suffering from an apparently gunshot wound to the chest. He was transferred to UF Health Jacksonville and pronounced dead at the hospital. Anderson Jr. was just 23 years old.
His mother, Denise Anderson, also suffered multiple graze wounds, but was treated and later discharged from the hospital, according to the report.
Denise Anderson told officers her husband, Otis Lee Anderson Sr., got bit by their son’s girlfriend’s dog and he was bleeding throughout the house, which sparked the altercation with his son, leading to the shooting. Here’s the full details.
Anderson Sr. was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
What’s been said
Tributes poured in on social media once news surfaced of Anderson Jr.’s passing. OJ, or “Juice” as he was known, was adored by his former teammates and coaches at UCF.
UCF Football’s statement: “We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr. He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved Otis. He was taken too soon and will truly be missed.”
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, who coached Anderson from 2018-2020 at UCF: “Saddened and stunned by the passing of Otis Anderson Jr. Tough and gritty, fun and full of laughter, he made such a positive impact on our university, community, and our locker room. He was an unbelievable teammate. My condolences go out to the entire UCF family.”
McKenzie Milton, former teammate and FSU quarterback: “I’ll never forget that million dollar smile Juice..heartbroken is an understatement. I’ll see you again one day lil bro.”
Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams cornerback: “Rest in Heaven Otis. We gotta do better on this earth smh. Big prayers up.”
AAC commissioner Mike Aresco: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Otis Anderson Jr., an outstanding player and young man who was beloved by his teammates and those who knew him. Otis will always be remembered as a major part of the legacy of UCF’s 25-game winning streak and national success, which included so many of his memorable moments. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends and the entire UCF community."
A makeshift memorial was set up at the 2-yard line of UCF’s football field yesterday, honoring Anderson Jr., and a photo tribute was on display at the entrance of the Wayne Densch.
There was plenty more tributes on social media in remembrance of Anderson Jr., who was one of the most revered players during UCF’s most successful seasons in 2017 and 2018.
Who he was
Anderson Jr., a 2017 signee under Scott Frost and the first commit of that year’s class, was a back-to-back state champion at Jacksonville's University Christian School. He left his mark in Orlando, too, known for his jaw-dropping returns and electrifying runs. He’s the only Knight ever to put up 2,000+ rushing yards and 1,000+ receiving yards and flourished as a do-it-all type of athlete under Frost and Heupel.
Here’s where Anderson Jr. ranks in the school record books:
Second all-time in yards-per carry (6.1).
Fourth all-time with in career punt return average (12.3).
Eighth all-time in all-purpose yards (3,708).
Eighth all-time in total touchdowns (27).
Ninth all-time in career rushing yards (2,182).
The numbers were nice, but his charisma, generosity and genuine kindness was what resonated with those who loved him. It was the everlasting, infectious smile and unforgettable swagger.
“I had to move a couple times. You know, move houses, and Otis was always, he would always volunteer, ‘I’ll come help you, coach.’ And that’s just the type of kid he was,” Anderson Jr.’s high school coach, David Penland III said. “He loved everybody. Not only his teammates … but the little kids in the school. The little kids loved him, just watching him. And some of those kids that were little are playing for me now. And you know, it was awesome to see, you know, the impact that he had on their life.”
Juice’s best moments
Watching Anderson Jr. on the football field was something special. He had a knack for always making plays, especially during the Knights most successful years on top of the college football world. Let’s remember some of his best moments.
Dec. 1, 2018: Peace out, Memphis
This is the most iconic moment of Otis’ career at UCF. With the Knights trailing Memphis 38-21 early in the third quarter of the AAC title game, Darriel Mack dropped in a 54-yard pass to Anderson Jr., who got behind the defense and raced for the end zone, capped off by his signature peace sign before crossing the goal line.
UCF stormed back to win the game and the conference title, 55-41.
How it sounded 🗣: “Mack, well protected, down the sideline…he drops it in to Otis Anderson for a touchdown.”
Sept. 21, 2019: The return in Pittsburgh
Juice’s impact on special teams was invaluable, especially during the 2019 season, where his 277 punt return yards and 13.2 average per return were best in the AAC. The most iconic play that year? His 84-yard punt return for a touchdown against Pittsburgh that gave UCF its first lead of the game.
Anderson Jr. directed traffic, ducked defenders, spun at midfield and kept his balance, juked a few would-be tacklers and waltzed into the end zone for what was the second-longest punt return in school history.
Pitt came back to win the game in heartbreaking, Philly Special fashion, but this return was one of the best moments of the season for Anderson Jr.
How it sounded 🗣: “It’s away for Anderson, who has to go all the way back inside the 10. Anderson to the outside, showing the speed. Otis Anderson ducks through one, keeps his feet again off a pirouette. See’s the calvary coming and switches back. Anderson, touchdown! Oh my!”
Nov. 24, 2017: ‘The perfect play’
Dubbed “the perfect play” by ESPN’s Adam Amin, Anderson Jr., as a true freshman, left a memorable mark on one of the most important wins in school history.
Late in the fourth quarter against USF, with an undefeated season on the line and leading 35-34, Anderson Jr. caught a McKenzie Milton screen pass, got a few key blocks and raced down the sideline for a 23-yard touchdown, putting the Knights up eight. UCF went on to win the game 49-42, capped off by Mike Hughes’ improbable kickoff return for a touchdown.
How it sounded 🗣: “Big blitz from the Bulls. It’s a screen against the blitz. The perfect play! Otis Anderson may have sealed the deal for UCF!”
Sept. 8, 2019: The cutback in Boca
His speed was one thing, but Anderson Jr.’s ability to change direction on a dime was magical. His 39-yard, second-quarter touchdown run against FAU was a beauty, with Anderson Jr. breaking out a nasty cutback, juking the defender to avoid a tackle and break free into space to give the Knights a 28-3 lead.
How it sounded 🗣: “Handoff this time Otis Anderson outside. Anderson inside the 20, what a cutback! Touchdown, UCF. ”
Jan. 1, 2018: OJ ties it up in Atlanta
Anderson Jr. had a knack for clutch touchdowns during his tenure, but this was a pretty big one in Atlanta against Auburn.
Trailing 20-13 in the final minutes of the third quarter of the Peach Bowl, McKenzie Milton set up a screen pass for Anderson Jr., who had blockers in front on him. He lowered his shoulder and bullied his way into the end zone to tie the game at 20.
How it sounded 🗣: “Play fake, screen, with blockers. Anderson…pushing, touchdown!”
One final thought: Life is too precious and everything can be taken in a moment. It’s hard to re-watch these highlights and realize Otis is gone. To all of his teammates, friends, former coaches and loved ones, my heart is with you. Knight Nation grieves with you. Thanks for always flashing those gold-plated pearly whites, Otis, and for giving us a reason to leap out of our seats in cheer. Rest peacefully, Juice ✌🏻