A former Syracuse quarterback who overcame serious health challenges has died at 28, but the circumstances of his death were unrelated to the illness he had previously battled.Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper has died at the age of 28, the school’s football program confirmed in a statement on social media.In the years before his death, he overcame serious health challenges and returned to the field, recently reaching a major life milestone — making the circumstances of his passing even more striking.Before Culpepper became a story of loss, he was a story of survival.

In a message shared on Instagram in March 2018, the then-20-year-old quarterback revealed, “As many of you know, the last few days have been a whirlwind for me. May 18th I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.”He said the disease had spread to lymph nodes in his abdomen and would require a 10-week chemotherapy plan.According to Moffitt Cancer Center, the diagnosis — which came as a shock — followed a spring break trip, and within hours, he was on a flight to Tampa for surgery and treatment.At the time, Culpepper maintained a disciplined routine and exercised daily, believing serious illness was unlikely for someone with his lifestyle.Despite the uncertainty, he remained composed. “I am deeply thankful to my family, close friends, and teammates as well, because no doubt i’ll be leaning on you though this,” he said, assuring that the condition was treatable.