AMES, Iowa -- Former Iowa State quarterback Cris Love died of cancer Wednesday in Houston, according to school officials. He was 24.
Love lettered for the Cyclones in 2003 and 2004. He completed 50-of-104 passes for 667 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games.
Iowa State assistant coach Todd Fitch said that Love was a selfless and dedicated teammate, though his role with the Cyclones was primarily as a backup. Fitch credited Love for helping current starting quarterback Bret Meyer and wide receiver Austin Flynn deal with sharing time at quarterback in 2004.
"He loved the game of football," Fitch said. "He knew his role on the team and helped us so many ways on the field and off the field."
Love was a native of Round Rock, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in health and human performance from Iowa State in 2005 and had just started a career in Texas as a sales associate at Dell Inc.
"This is devastating for the Iowa State family," Iowa State football coach Dan McCarney said. "It is hard to believe that someone of Cris' personal stature could be taken from us way before his time. Cris leaves an army of friends and family who take with them great memories of this special man that will last the rest of their lives."
The Iowa State football program will host a golf tournament July 10, with proceeds going to cover Love's medical expenses.
Funeral arrangements are pending.