Devonta Lee, a former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver who inspired many with his battle against bone cancer, has died at the age of 22, according to Louisiana Tech Football. The announcement came on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a journey that saw Lee rise from a small town in Louisiana to playing college football at two prominent programs before facing a life-threatening illness.

From Small Town to College Football

Lee, a native of Fluker, Louisiana, was a four-star recruit out of Amite High School, where he formed a dynamic wide receiver tandem with future Heisman Trophy winner and current Philadelphia Eagles star DeVonta Smith. His journey began in a modest environment, as he described in a 2019 interview: ‘I came from nothing. I came from a small town called Fluker. I grew up in a house with rats and roaches and stuff like that.’

Lee signed with LSU and was part of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. As a freshman, he played in 13 games, catching two passes for 27 yards and contributing on special teams. ‘Championship my first year, the SEC championship, the Peach Bowl. That was amazing,’ Lee said in a previous interview.

A Battle Against Bone Cancer

After three seasons in Baton Rouge, Lee transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022. However, months later, during workouts, he began experiencing severe back pain. Doctors later diagnosed him with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Lee underwent two surgeries, 10 weeks of chemotherapy, and seven weeks of radiation. After a year of treatment, he rang the bell signifying he was cancer-free.

Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie previously described Lee as a fighter. ‘He’s got a fighter’s spirit. He fights. He’s beaten extreme odds before, this would not surprise me one bit,’ Cumbie said during Lee’s recovery. ‘If anyone is going to be able to do it, it’s D-Lee.’

Legacy Beyond the Stats

Lee finished his college career with 13 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown across stops at LSU and Louisiana Tech. But teammates and coaches said his impact extended beyond statistics. At Amite High, his mother said football was his life. ‘That’s all he liked to do from day one. From little on up he played football all his life. That’s all he liked to do. He always go to the gym. Seven days a week. He would get the key. He always had a key, and go workout. When no one else is working, he working,’ Lacresia Lee said.

Lee’s passing has left a void in the college football community, with many remembering his resilience and determination. Louisiana Tech Football expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Devonta Lee, a former Bulldog wide receiver. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family.’

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but the football community is expected to come together to honor his memory. As the news spreads, it’s clear that Lee’s story will resonate with many who have faced adversity in their own lives, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance that can be found in the face of challenge.