After beating cancer, former college quarterback dies in crash

Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper, whose on-field toughness was matched by a widely publicized victory over cancer, has died at 28.

Culpepper, who played for the Orange from 2016 to 2020, passed away following a crash, according to initial reports. The former signal-caller’s athletic journey was defined as much by resilience as by statistics: after a testicular-cancer diagnosis sidelined him in 2018, he returned to the program and completed his collegiate career, embodying the spirit of perseverance that teammates and coaches frequently praised.

Though details surrounding the crash remain limited, university officials confirmed Culpepper’s death Sunday. He finished his Syracuse tenure having appeared in 18 games, leaving an imprint on the program that extended beyond the box score.

Culpepper’s post-cancer comeback became a rallying narrative for both the team and its fan base, illustrating an athlete’s refusal to surrender to circumstances off the field. His passing marks a somber close to a life already marked by extraordinary challenges and public triumph.

Syracuse has not yet announced memorial plans.