Arnold Mickens, one of the greatest players in Butler Football history, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the age of 49.

Prior to arriving at Butler, Mickens was an all-state running back and linebacker at Broad Ripple High School. Mickens transferred to Butler from Indiana University. His two-year Butler career still resonates throughout the program's record book.  

Mickens set 18 different NCAA Division I-AA single-game, single-season, and career football records. He led the nation in rushing with an NCAA-record 2,255 yards in 1994 and for rushing for more than 200 yards in eight games. 

"We rode Arnold," said Ken LaRose, who was Butler's head coach during Mickens time on campus and is now Butler's Associate Athletic Director for Development. "People knew what we were going to do, and we said, 'Stop us.' You'd be called an idiot if you have this stallion in the backfield and you're throwing the ball." 

Mickens went on to impact many students during his time working in the Indianapolis Public Schools system. He worked at George Washington High School as a counselor and was working as a ninth grade counselor at Crispus Attucks at the time of his passing.

A statement from the Butler Athletics Department read: "On the field, Arnold's years at Butler included All-American honors and school records that still stand today. Off the playing field, during both his time at Butler and in later years, he impacted many in a positive way. He truly exemplified the values of The Butler Way. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time." 

Stuart Mortuary is handling the funeral arrangements.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the mortuary at 2201 N. Illinois St. 

A celebration of life is set for Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.