21-Year-Old College Football Player Dies After Collapsing During Workout

Furman University football player Bryce Stanfield died Friday after suffering a medical emergency during a workout earlier in the week.

Stanfield, 21, collapsed during a Wednesday morning workout at Paladin Stadium.

Afterward, he was taken to the hospital and placed on life support.

21-year-old football player dies after collapsing at practice…https://t.co/mxGpoZuSKM

— Amy Moreno (@VivaLaAmes11) February 10, 2024

Furman defensive tackle Bryce Stanfield, 21, dies after collapsing at practice https://t.co/bJ0OMAtxAz pic.twitter.com/x79ZiaawyM

— New York Post (@nypost) February 10, 2024

FOX Carolina reports:

His coaches said he had a back strain that had limited what he could do before practices started, but it was something he had been dealing with and was being rehabbed to get ready for the season. They were not aware of any other medical issues.

In a letter to Furman University’s campus on Friday, President Elizabeth Davis said Stanfield passed away surrounded by family. In a private ceremony, Stanfield’s Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, was issued. The entire football team was allowed to be in his hospital room for the ceremony.

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“A defensive tackle from Acworth, Georgia, Stanfield played in each of Furman’s 13 games last season, helping the Paladins to the Southern Conference championship and a victory in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs,” Greenville News reports.

“We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield, and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead,” Furman head coach Clay Hendrix said.

“There are so many more who are really hurting — namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends, and the entire Furman community and beyond,” Hendrix continued.

“Bryce was an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player, and friend.  He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community. In every sense he was the best representative we could have.  His passing is one of the most difficult things Furman football has ever encountered, but our faith and so many wonderful memories Bryce provided us will help sustain us all in the days ahead,” he added.

More from Greenville News:

In a Friday morning ceremony attended by Stanfield’s family and teammates and coaches, Stanfield was conferred his bachelor of science degree in health sciences, magna cum laude, by Furman president Dr. Elizabeth Davis.

A two-time Southern Conference academic honor roll selection, Stanfield was part of Furman’s Heller Service Corps Men of Distinction, read to children in local schools and visited patients at Greenville Children’s Hospital.

He was a standout at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he helped the team to the Class 6A state championship in 2019.

To answer the elephant in the room, Furman University mandated the experimental COVID-19 shot and boosters.

College football player, Bryce Stanfield collapsed and died during a workout. @FurmanU required vaccination and boosters.

Take every last dollar from them. pic.twitter.com/PFDw3jkAO4

— Vance Murphy (@vancemurphy) February 9, 2024

“Wofford College and Furman University are the only colleges in South Carolina mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for students enrolling for fall classes,” Furman News reported in 2021.

Per Furman News:

For state-supported institutions, there is no such requirement despite the American College Health Association’s recommendation that colleges implement COVID-19 vaccination directives for all on-campus students, barring those with medical exemptions.

In The State, Clinton Colmenares, Furman’s director of news and media strategy, said, “We saw what was happening nationally and took into consideration the advice from the CDC and the state. We want to get back to normal operations and really the best way for us to do that is to require vaccinations.” The State reported that students may request an exemption from the requirement for religious or medical reasons, or due to a “strong personal objection,” Colmenares added.

FOX Carolina reported in 2022 that Furman University would require COVID-19 boosters for students.

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