Purdue superfan and committed Christian, Tyler Trent, has died at age 20 after a long battle with cancer. Trent, who was suffering from a rare form of bone cancer, garnered attention from the national press after he was spotted camping outside the Boilermakers stadium to ensure he got tickets on game day. Through his staggering display of courage and his stoic and faith-filled character, Tyler became a hugely inspirational figure to thousands of football players, fans and cancer patients alike.
‘All Glory Goes to God’: Terminal Cancer Patient Tyler Trent Makes it to Purdue’s Epic Win Over Ohio
‘All Glory Goes to God’: Terminal Cancer Patient Tyler Trent Makes it to Purdue’s Epic Win Over Ohio
In October, against all odds and close to death, Trent made it to Purdue’s game against Ohio State which resulted in a shocking win for the Boilermakers. The fortitude shown by the young man to make it to the game was astonishing, and it did not go unnoticed. Widely recognized by the team as the Boilermakers number one fan, the players invited Trent into the locker room to provide them with a post-game briefing.
“Thanks for leaving your heart out on the field, and showing the nation what being a Boilermaker is about,” Tyler told the players.
That winning locker room feeling… ?
This one was for you @theTylerTrent!#BoilerUp // #TylerStrong pic.twitter.com/CN3ize74X7
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) October 21, 2018
“At the end of the day. All glory goes to God, without him there is no way I was going to make the game yesterday,” Tyler posted to Twitter after the game. “From having to have emergency surgery at the beginning of the week to throwing up all day Friday. – 1st Thes. 5:18-20 all day long!”
After getting word of Trent’s passing, Purdue quarterback David Blough posted a heartfelt tribute to “my friend, my captain, my brother, my hero” on Twitter:
On Dec. 14 Tyler shared this verse from 1 Corinthians with me, “But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I can only imagine what it’s like where he is now.— David Blough (@david_blough10) January 2, 2019
In November, Trent spoke to the Sports Spectrum podcast about the importance of his faith in Jesus.
“It’s my everything. It’s the cornerstone,” he said. “Every morning, I make sure to get in the Word. My faith is what keeps me going honestly. I don’t think I would be able to smile or have the happy face that people have seen on TV without my faith.”
A month ago, Tyler Trent delivered this inspiring message at the College Football Awards. pic.twitter.com/friAzVcvxw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2019
“Whether I wake up tomorrow or not, I know where I’m going to end up and having that comfort and that peace is huge,” he continued. “I really don’t know how anyone is able to fight a terminal illness without faith, honestly.”
"I promised I'd save you a chair. We did." – @notthefakeSVP pic.twitter.com/DinJe5lkCm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2019
Just before he passed, in one of his final messages, Tyler announced that he was releasing a book about his journey. Through sales of “The Upset,” Trent hoped to raise $1 million for cancer research.
“Would u consider helping me predict one last upset?” he tweeted. “This time, it’s not about football it’s about life. Please consider helping me raise $1,000,000 for cancer research.”
You can purchase a copy of the book here.
We are without words….so beyond grateful for the OUTPOURING of love and support! If you have any questions about Tyler’s Celebration of Life service…pls click on the link below. ❤️?❤️? To God be the glory! https://t.co/30VMgSW3eZ
— Tyler Trent ? (@theTylerTrent) January 3, 2019
On behalf of @IndianaFootball, our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler Trent’s family. Tyler showed all of us the true essence of courage and fight. #LEO pic.twitter.com/nJkqrJ2XOp
— Coach Tom Allen (@CoachAllenIU) January 2, 2019
I wasn’t raised in church & don’t know the Bible very well but I do love to learn. So when I met Tyler Trent & saw the verse associated with his fight, I googled.
”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”
It resonated & I won’t forget it #Tylerstrong pic.twitter.com/bkcvQ7PUJa
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) January 2, 2019
Tyler Trent’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at College Park Church in Carmel, Indiana.
Do keep Trent’s family in your prayers at this incredibly painful time.