ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support following the passing of his friend and former teammate, Zia Combs.
“Just thank everyone out there for the thoughts and prayers with Zia Combs,” Bellamy said. “Michigan man, my roommate and teammate, one of my best friends, passed away last week.”
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Bellamy attended Combs’ funeral service and described it as a special ceremony filled with love and support from the Ann Arbor community, former teammates, and staff members at Michigan.
Reflecting on their time together, Bellamy shared memories of Combs, who died from a heart attack on Oct. 12, 2025, and how he suffered a career-ending neck injury as a redshirt freshman.
Combs’ funeral was held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Ypsilanti.
As a redshirt sophomore in Ann Arbor, Combs suffered a career-ending neck injury in a matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions, which just so happened to be the same day he died, which was on Oct. 12, 2002.
Combs and fellow Wolverine Ernest Shazor collided while attempting to down a punt before it reached the end zone.
He was knocked unconscious and stretchered off the field and later transferred to the hospital.
Combs was able to get released the following day, but his collegiate football career was over, finishing with 24 tackles and a recovered fumble in just 16 games for the men in maize.
“He was my roommate when it happened,” Bellamy said. “It was tough just to see a talented player overcome the adversity of the injury.”
Combs, who came from Lexington High School in Kentucky, was making strides on the team, moving up the depth chart amid strong competition from a talented defensive backfield that included future NFL players such as Marlin Jackson, Jeremy LeSueur, Markus Curry, and Brandon Williams.
Bellamy emphasized Combs’ mental strength in facing the abrupt end to his football career.
“Football is something we play from a young age, and for the game to be abruptly taken away is pretty tough,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy also highlighted Combs’ growth beyond football, noting the man he became as a father and husband.
“It’s pretty special,” Bellamy said.