DeAndrea Neal, a member of the Virginia State University Sports Hall of Fame, died Friday, April 9, 2021.

Mr. Neal, 53, was a four-time All-CIAA selection as a football lineman from 1986 to 1989. He also earned All-CIAA honors throwing the shot put in track and field.

Following his distinguished playing career, Mr. Neal served as the Trojans’ offensive line coach from 1990 to 1997. He was part of the coaching staff that won CIAA football titles in 1995 and 1996.

During his long tenure at VSU, he also served as assistant director of student activities and director of Greek affairs.

He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and served as an adviser to the fraternity’s Nu Psi Chapter.

Licensed as a minister in 2010, Mr. Neal led the college ministry at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Petersburg, where he began attending services in 1987 as a VSU student.

A tribute and balloon release was held in Mr. Neal’s honor on Monday at VSU’s Foster Hall. He was selected to the VSU Hall of Fame in 2003.