Photo: Brett Carlsen / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Syracuse University is mourning the loss of former quarterback Rex Culpepper, who died at age 28 after a dirt bike accident in Georgia over the weekend. Culpepper, remembered for his resilience and passion, played for the Orange from 2016 to 2020, appearing in 30 games and throwing 11 touchdowns, including a standout senior game against North Carolina State with 254 passing yards and two touchdowns, according to FOX News.
The Syracuse football program expressed its condolences on social media, saying, "Our Orange family mourns the loss of Rex Culpepper... Rex lived his life with endless passion, having overcome cancer at the age of 20 while playing for the Orange. Appearing in 30 games, Rex played football as fierce as he lived life. Our hearts are with the Culpepper family & all those who loved him." During his time with Syracuse, Culpepper overcame a testicular cancer diagnosis in March 2018 and was declared cancer-free three months later, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Culpepper proposed to his fiancée, Savanna Morgan, less than a month ago. Morgan confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post, sharing, "No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only six short years after meeting... There wasn’t one thing that man couldn’t do. Lawyer, mechanic, musician, chef, athlete, nerd…lover. He became such a lover."
After graduating from Syracuse, Culpepper returned to Tampa, his hometown, and became a lawyer. He was the son of former NFL defensive tackle Brad Culpepper, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears. Both Brad and Monica Culpepper, Rex’s parents, appeared on the reality TV show Survivor (FOX News).
The Syracuse community and the broader football world have shared tributes and condolences following the news of his passing. As friends, teammates, and family reflect on Culpepper's legacy, his perseverance and zest for life are being remembered across the country. There are currently no announcements regarding memorial services.