Nashville Kats hall of famer Darryl Hammond dies at 50

Former Arena Football League star Darryl Hammond, who played for the Nashville Kats, died Sunday after suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 50.

Hammond had a benign brain tumor removed in 2013. In 2014, he was diagnosed with ALS.

Hammond, an All-ACC defensive back who played at Virginia (1984-87), was a fan favorite during his time with the Kats because of his versatility and outgoing personality.

He spent a total of seven seasons with the Kats and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2013.

He was No. 19 on the AFL’s all-time top 25 list of greatest players, which was announced at the league’s 25th anniversary in 2012.

Hammond spent 16 years in the AFL as a wide receiver/defensive back including two stints with the Kats — 1997-2001 and 2005-2006.

Hammond joined the Kats in their inaugural season and finished that year as the second-leading receiver (50 catches, 607 yards, 4 touchdowns). He also had 49 tackles, two interceptions, one sack and one fumble recovery.

Hammond was named to the All-Ironman Team in 2000 and 2001 while helping the Kats to the Arena Bowl both seasons.

In the seven seasons in which he played for Nashville, Hammond had a total of 363 catches, 3,757 yards and 59. TDs. He also had 302.5 tackles and 10 interceptions.

Hammond also played for the Albany Firebirds (1991-1994), St. Louis Stampede (1995-1996), Georgia Force (2002-2003) and Austin Wranglers (2004).

Hammond finished his career with a total of 802 catches, 8,559 receiving yards and 144 TDs. He had 728 career tackles and 31 interceptions.

After his playing career ended, Hammond became assistant general manger for the Kats and also served as the team's radio color analyst.

Hammond later served as a talent coordinator for the TV reality series “Dance Moms” on the Lifetime Channel.

He also appeared in several Hollywood productions. Hammond was a stunt double in the movie "The Longest Yard" in 2004, had a role in "Invincible" in 2006 and was a volleyball coach in an episode of "Hannah Montana" in 2009.

Hammond also served as an assistant football coach at Ensworth and Independence high schools.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, according to Hammond’s cousin Michael Hammond.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrgan Writer.