Ron Springs, an ex-Dallas Cowboy running back who had been in a coma since he lost consciousness during a 2007 operation, died on Thursday at age 54. The former Grambling University star played for the Cowboys from 1981 to 1985. 

During his NFL career, Springs ran for 2,519 yards, had 2,259 yards receiving and scored 10 touchdowns. He also established a deep friendship with Everson Walls, a teammate in Dallas. When Springs, who suffered from diabetes for 20 years, went into kidney failure, Walls donated one of his own to his friend. 

Seeking to help others, Springs and Walls established the Gift for Life Foundation. It educates the public about preventing chronic kidney disease and works to dispel false ideas about the living donor process. View a video about the foundation.

(Photo: AP Photo/File)