Rex Culpepper, a former Syracuse Orange quarterback, has died. He was 28 years old. Culpepper died this past weekend due to injuries suffered in a dirt bike accident in Georgia.
The Syracuse football program released a statement on X, saying, “Our Orange family mourns the loss of Rex Culpepper, who passed away this weekend at the age of 28.” The statement continued, “Rex lived his life with endless passion, having overcome cancer at the age of 20 while playing for the Orange.”
Culpepper’s Career at Syracuse
Culpepper appeared in 30 games for the Orange. He played quarterback in 16 of those games, throwing for 1,546 total yards with 11 touchdowns. He also played as a tight end.
During his time with the program, Culpepper battled cancer. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in March 2018. He underwent extensive chemotherapy and was later declared cancer-free.
Culpepper participated in the 2018 spring game. He threw a touchdown on the final drive.
Fiancée’s Tribute
Culpepper’s fiancée, Savanna Morgan, confirmed his death in an Instagram post. She shared photos and videos of them together. Culpepper had just proposed to Morgan less than one month ago.
“No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting,” Morgan wrote. She added, “Rex didn’t always believe in soulmates but towards the end he told me that he didn’t realize what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other.”
Morgan continued, “And one thing about us is that we lived every single day like it was our last. We did every little thing that we set our minds to, between learning new skills and hobbies, and traveling to new places, there was never any free time with us and not a moment spent apart. I don’t regret a single day in our 6 years. You made six years feel like a lifetime Rexy.”
Syracuse Remembers Culpepper
- Appeared in 30 games for Syracuse
- Threw for 1,546 yards and 11 touchdowns
- Overcame cancer during his career
Syracuse noted that Culpepper “played football as fierce as he lived life.” The university added, “Our hearts are with the Culpepper family & all those who loved him.”