John Avery, former Ole Miss, NFL RB, listed as missing person in Florida

John Avery, a former running back for Ole Miss who spent time in the NFL, has been listed as a missing person in Florida. The Port Orange Police Department revealed the harrowing news on Friday.

“Florida police are asking for help finding former Ole Miss football running back John Avery,” Sam Hutchens of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger wrote. “Avery has been missing for two weeks and is believed the be in the Daytona Beach area. The Port Orange Police Department announced the news in a social media post on May 16.”

According to the social media post, Avery is believed to be in the Daytona Beach area. As they continue to gather information, anyone with any tips is being asked to contact the Port Orange Police Department to help locate the former Rebels star.

The Asheville, North Carolina played for Ole Miss during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. Hutchens noted Avery had an outstanding tenure with the team, as he was named a team captain during his senior season, leading the team with 862 rushing yards on 166 carries. Additionally, the running back scored seven rushing touchdowns in 1997.

During that campaign, the Rebels ended up finishing 8-4. Their coach was Tommy Tuberville, and the season ended with a bang, as Ole Miss defeated Marshall in the Motor City Bowl.

He entered the NFL with great fanfare. Avery was a first round pick, selected by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 29 overall selection. However, he’d only spend one season in Miami, rushing for 503 yards and two touchdowns, fumbling five times.

The Dolphins opted to cut their losses after the 1998 season, trading Avery to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Marcus Nash. Ironically, Nash was drafted one spot after the running back during the 1998 NFL Draft. He only carried the ball five times during the 1999 season with Denver, and was released by the Broncos during training camp the following year.

Afterwards, Avery would bounce around, playing in the XFL, CFL and even the Hamilton Touch Football League in Hamilton (ON), Canada. His best season came in the CFL in 2002 with the Edmonton Elks, as he ran for 1,448 yards and ten touchdowns.

People with any information regarding Avery’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Port Orange Police Department and reference POPD Case #250002321. The department can be reached at 386-248-1777.