Former NFL linebacker Thomas Howard dies in car crash

Then Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Thomas Howard (53) and cornerback Nate Clements (22) celebrate recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts in a 2011 game at Cincinnati.(Photo Brian Spurlock USA TODAY Sports)

Story HighlightsHoward drafted by the Oakland Raiders played in the NFL since 2006.His BMW was traveling at speeds of between 100 and 110 mph when it crashed early Monday in OaklandBoth Howard and the driver of another vehicle killed were dead on the scene.

Former NFL linebacker Thomas Howard cut last week by the Atlanta Falcons was killed early Monday in a high speed traffic collision near his home in Alameda Calif.

The Alameda County Coroner's Bureau and spokesperson Dan Hill of the California Highway Patrol confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Howard was one of the victims after notification was made to the family.

Howard 30 who was drafted out of Texas El Paso by the Oakland Raiders in 2006 played five years for the Raiders.

Hill said the incident began with a BMW traveling 100 110 miles per hour according to witnesses.

The witnesses said the driver of the BMW lost control and collided with the rear of a semi truck Hill said. The force of the impact caused the BMW to catapult into the opposing lanes where it struck a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and then crashed onto a Honda CRV Hill said.

Both Howard and the driver of the Honda Zeng Long Liu 64 of Hayward Calif. were killed at the scene Hill said.

Howard a 6 3 230 pound linebacker from Lubbock Texas was taken in the second round of the 2006 draft by the Raiders. He played with them through 2010 then was with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011 and 2012.

He signed last month with the Atlanta Falcons and was active for two games but was released last Tuesday.

It is shocking and very sad Texas El Paso athletics director Bob Stull said about Howard on the school's sports department web site.

His story was inspiring. He came here as a walk on defensive back and through hard work and dedication developed into one of the greatest linebackers in school history. He was enjoying a tremendous NFL career.

More than anything though Thomas was a fine young man personable and engaging. He always had a smile on his face. He returned to El Paso frequently and was always eager to give back to UTEP. He was a superb alum and friend of the university. It's just hard to believe that he's gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Friends were remembering Howard on Twitter

Retired NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman shawnemerriman38m RIP Thomas Howard and those involved in the tragedy NFL GodBless

Former NFL defensive back Stanford Routt SRoutt2620m ThomasHoward Was a pleasure playing with you. You were a great teammate even better person and father U will be missed much love bro RIP

Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski bgradkowski5 very sad day a good buddyteammate thomas howard passed away today Please keep his family in ur prayers what a great guy words can explain

PHOTOS THOMAS HOWARD'S NFL CAREER

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