October 6, 2025 | By: Meghan Benson, PCC Intern

Strength, love, and unrelenting determination were the embodiment of Rashaud Fields. Lovingly known as “Dukie”, Rashaud was always the life of everything he was a part of. He was a people person, always making jokes and keeping people’s spirits high. Everyone, whether it was family or friends, always loved having him around, even when he teased them constantly. His whole personality was about making sure to leave someone laughing or, at the very least, with a smile.

Rashaud had only one sibling, a brother, who was sixteen years older than him. Even though there had been a significant age gap between them, Rashaud and his brother were really close. He would run around the hallway in his brother’s football jersey after his games.

Between his mother’s and father’s sides of the family, he had quite a lot of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Like Rashaud, there were multiple age gaps between his family, and he had grown up with his niece and nephew. Rashaud was in his teens while his niece and nephew were small. Having his niece and nephew around was a staple in his life, always messing around and making sure that they were having a great time. This was the same for all the kids in the neighborhood; everyone looked forward to seeing him. To this day, they still make sure his family knows that he is greatly missed.

Rashaud’s love for football started at the age of two. He grew up with his family, who were huge Gator fans, so much so that he had his whole room painted orange and blue with Gator paraphernalia scattered about. While he played other sports like wrestling and basketball, nothing mattered to him more than football, and his goal was to be drafted in the NFL one day. So when he had been recognized by colleges in pursuit of making him a part of their teams, it seemed like a dream come true. Receiving offers from Georgia, Florida, Miami, and Kaiser University, he had based his decision on one thing: being able to play the sport he loved, not sitting on the sidelines. Kaiser University not only offered him a full scholarship but promised him he would be first string as soon as he started college. It was not only the promise, but the dedication to showing his family that they really cared about having him on their team, that solidified the choice for Rashaud.

Though Rashaud’s football legacy played a prominent role in his life, he had other hobbies that he enjoyed. He was not only competitive in sports, but also in playing video games. Playing games with his family was a frequent activity in the Fields’ household, and he always strived to be the winner. If he didn’t win, he would play until he did. Rashaud was also very active in his church. He would always help out with ushering and any other positions where he was needed. Like on the football field, his passion shone through even the smallest of his interests.

Tragically, on the day of Rashaud’s high school graduation, May 23, 2022, he was taken from his family hours after the celebration. Rashaud had been on his way to a graduation party when he was shot and killed in the 10700 block of Pine Estates Road in Jacksonville, Florida.

Raines High School, where Fields graduated, honored him the following season by having his #53 jersey number painted on the field.

Keiser University released a statement upon learning of Fields’ murder.

“We’re deeply saddened to learn about the death of Raines High School graduate Rashaud Fields. He was a bright young man who had hopes of continuing his education and football career at Keiser University. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and offer to provide any assistance or support needed during this difficult time.”

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Anyone with information concerning Rashaud Fields’ unsolved homicide is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477.

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