The college football world is grieving the loss of Southern Nazarene safety Tyler Ulrich, who passed away this week at just 21 years old. Ulrich suffered a traumatic injury during a game on October 10 against Ouachita Baptist University and was hospitalized for five days before his passing. It’s a devastating blow to the Bethany, Oklahoma, Division II private school.
The Tragic Injury and Its Aftermath
Last week’s matchup in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, saw Ulrich get injured, and the game against Ouachita Baptist was actually delayed for nearly an hour while he received medical attention right there on the field. He was then transported to a hospital, where he fought for five days. This past Saturday’s game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University has since been canceled in the wake of this incredibly sad news. Ulrich wasn’t just another player, either. As a sophomore, he was one of Southern Nazarene’s top defensive guys, ranking third on the team with a solid 36 tackles.
Tributes Pour In For a “Man of God”
The outpouring of grief and support for Tyler is immense. Southern Nazarene University president Keith Newman released a statement on Thursday, saying that since Ulrich was hospitalized, he was “continually surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates, and dear friends.” Newman asked everyone to keep Tyler’s family, teammates, coaches, and friends in their prayers during this “unimaginably difficult time.” SNU Athletics posted on their X account that “This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him.” Head coach Dustin Hada also posted a tribute on his X, calling Tyler a “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!” Even his prep football coach, Jason Vines from Azle High School in Texas, spoke to KOCO News ABC 5, raving about Tyler’s character. Vines said, “Tyler is built. He is. He looks like a professional football player to me.” He added, “When I think of good, I think of Tyler Ulrich. One of the sweetest young men I’ve ever been around, and ever known.”
Southern Nazarene echoed these sentiments on their Facebook page, stating they are grieving and that this loss is “deeply felt across our campus.” They’re asking for continued prayers for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A GoFundMe has been created to help the Ulrich family during this time, showing how much this young man meant to so many.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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