Two college football players die after game-related incidents this season
Southern Nazarene safety Tyler Ulrich and William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died following injuries sustained during games, prompting statements from their schools and families.
Two college football players have died after injuries that occurred during games this season. Southern Nazarene safety Tyler Ulrich, a sophomore from Texas, passed away five days after a traumatic injury in a match against Ouachita Baptist University. The play that injured Ulrich initially appeared routine, but teammates called for medical assistance and the game was delayed for about an hour while he received care. His exact injury has not been disclosed, and he had been hospitalized in critical condition since the incident.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich," Southern Nazarene wrote in a social-media post, adding that the university is offering counseling support to students and staff.
William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after experiencing seizure-like symptoms during the school’s season-opening game against Fort Lewis. Barnett, a junior who had scored the game’s only touchdown, was taken off the field in the first quarter and later suffered a medical emergency that led to his death. The college said it was not aware of any pre-existing conditions that might have contributed to the outcome.
"William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett, a junior business administration student and member of the Cardinal football program," the institution said in a statement, expressing condolences to his family and the campus community.
Barnett’s family released a statement requesting privacy and thanking supporters for their condolences. Both incidents have raised concerns about player safety and the need for medical preparedness during collegiate football contests.