Morgantown, West Virginia —The West Virginia Mountaineers football family is mourning the loss of a former quarterback, who died this week at the age of 47. Formerly a crucial role under center for the Mountaineers, his death has left teammates, coaches, and fans reminiscing on his accomplishments for the program and the guy he was off the field, despite his struggles with addiction in later years.
During his time in Morgantown, he established himself as a dependable and resilient leader on the field. He was known for his poise in high-pressure situations and ability to command the huddle, and he helped keep the Mountaineers competitive during the always-demanding Big East and early Big 12 eras. Teammates frequently regarded him as someone who never gave up on a problem and carried himself with the tenacity that embodied the program’s blue-collar identity.
“He was a fighter, plain and simple,” a former teammate remarked. “When the game was on the line, he wanted the ball in his possession. “That confidence inspired the rest of us.”
Coaches from his tenure at West Virginia commended his work ethic and leadership, emphasizing that his effort went far beyond game day. They described a player who was thorough in preparation, selfless in the locker room, and enthusiastic about representing the Mountaineers.
Off the field, he was regarded as a buddy and brother by many in the program. Teammates praised him as someone who could lighten the situation with comedy, give a listening ear when others needed it, and unite people via his charisma.
In the years after his football career, he confronted a new set of obstacles. Addiction became a fight that, according to those close to him, weighed heavily in his later years. While his challenges are part of his tale, friends and family insist that they do not define him.
“His struggles with addiction were real, but so was his heart,” said one former coach. “We’ll remember him for the way he inspired us, the way he loved his teammates, and the way he fought for this program.”
The news of his death sparked an outpouring of social media tributes from West Virginia alumni, fans, and former teammates, many of whom shared personal tales about his compassion and leadership.