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IU football star, former NFL player found dead

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INDIANAPOLIS -- The body of a former Indiana University and NFL player was found in a Fort Wayne river on Wednesday. 

The body of James Hardy, 31, was pulled from the Maumee River. His cause of death has not been released. 

Hardy, a native of Fort Wayne, played both basketball and football at Indiana University. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round in 2008.

He spent two seasons with the Bills before being released by the team in the training camp leading up to the 2010 season. In his career, he appeared in 16 games, caught 10 passes for 96 yards, and had two touchdowns in his rookie season.

The Buffalo Bills issued a team statement on the death of Hardy:

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of James hard today. We send our condolences to the Hardy family as they deal with this tragic loss."