Devonta Lee, a former LSU & Louisiana Tech wide receiver who bravely survived bone cancer, passed away at age 27. Both the Tigers and the Bulldogs confirmed the news while posting messages of their tributes on social media.

“The LSU Football family mourns the loss of former Tiger, Devonta Lee,” LSU Football’s X account posted. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates.”

Lee’s mother, Lacresia Brown, told KTVE that her son was battling cancer at the time of his death.

“[Lee] was a good kid [and would] do anything for anybody,” she said. “He loved football, and he gave his all in anything he did. He worked out every day [and was] a very hard, dedicated player [who] never gave up in football. [I will miss] my son.”

A four-star recruit and a state champion out of Amite High School, Lee wore LSU’s purple and gold from 2019 to 2021. During his three seasons with the Tigers, he was remembered for his dedication and perseverance, making him a valued member of the 2019 national championship team both on and off the field. He then transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022.

Within just months of arriving in Ruston, Lee’s body broke down, and he was unable to continue his routine training due to severe back pain. He was later diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer.

“God puts us through adversity. Adversity only makes you strong. You got to keep your faith, your hope, and you got to believe too,” said Lee, while bravely battling cancer.

After two surgeries, ten weeks of chemotherapy, and seven weeks of radiation, Lee was able to conquer the deadly disease. “It felt great just ringing the bell (signifying he was cancer-free),” Lee said. “Because some people don’t get to ring the bell. It’s just a blessing. If some people could take a walk in my shoes. It’s been a long process. I’m never going to give up.”

After a year battling with treatments and recovery, he made his return to Ruston. He played on the defensive side of the ball at Louisiana Tech and recorded 2 solo tackles in 2024. His return was a comeback that earned admiration across the Louisiana sports community. However, later his cancer returned, and Devonta continued his fight in private with the support of family and friends until his death.

Devonta is not the only case who faced this specific deadly disease. n 2016, Sauphia Lanning, wife of Oregon football coach Dan Lanning, was diagnosed with this same condition. She underwent months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove a tumor in her leg, ultimately beating the cancer by May 2017. The experience profoundly changed Dan’s perspective, shifting his focus to prioritize family.

Minnesota Golden Gophers holder Casey O’Brien was diagnosed in 2013 with osteosarcoma as a high school freshman at just 13 years of age, which later spread to his lungs. Despite five separate cancer diagnoses, multiple surgeries, and a knee replacement, O’Brien continued his college football career, fulfilling his dream of playing in a Big Ten game. Then there was Dametrius “Meechie” Walker, a beloved Michigan fan whose battle with osteosarcoma led him to be adopted as part of the Michigan football team in 2022, with the team dedicating a tribute to him after his passing.

Fans pay tribute to Devonta Lee

The news of Devonta Lee’s passing hit like a punch to the gut, and the football community turned to social media, flooded with condolences and tributes. For many, the grief wasn’t just about losing a former player; it was more like a personal loss. “That Devonta Lee … heart-wrenching,” one fan wrote, capturing the raw emotion, while the other sent prayers: “My prayers and thoughts are with Devonta Lee’s family and friends. This is just devastating.” 

One LSU fan praised that he’ll forever be remembered as a champ, recalling LSU’s 2019 National Championship: “RIP Devonta Lee, forever a 2019 National Champion at LSU.” On the other hand, for Louisiana Tech fans, he’s always their Bulldog. 

One fan who remembered Devonta’s family cheering for him, seated nearby, and was truly worried about his passing. “His family sat near me the night he caught his first TD. Great people. Just devastating news. F–k cancer.” So many others poured RIP messages and sent prayers to his family and friends.