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Minnesota’s Casey O’Brien provides positive update from November operation
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Casey O’Brien has had a tremendous and remarkable 2019 season.
The placeholder for Minnesota has a unique story and began the season as a four-time cancer survivor. He was able to work his way onto the team and eventually made an appearance in the Rutgers game as a holder on extra-point attempts.
O’Brien’s story has been shared on ESPN’s College GameDay and other places, stirring the hearts of many. He was also the recipient of this year’s Disney Spirit Award. Unfortunately, he announced in November that he was going back into surgery after a scan discovered a spot on his lung.
RELATED: Minnesota’s Casey O’Brien wins 2019 Disney Spirit Award, marks third straight B1G winner
On Friday, it was announced that O’Brien was cleared to attend Minnesota’s trip to the Outback Bowl. He is also able to take part in a visit to a Tampa area children’s hospital.
Serving and Giving meets Tampa. @caseyob14 took time to chat with some media members before going to visit children at Tampa General Hospital with teammates.
Good news, Casey was cleared and flew down for the trip! #Gophers #SkiUMah #RTB pic.twitter.com/CTy13Fp8If
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 27, 2019
Andy Greder with the Pioneer Press also shared a bit more of O’Brien’s personal update. O’Brien indicated that he is now a five-time cancer survivor with doctors believing the November procedure took care of the spot on his lung.
As of now, O’Brien will not need any additional treatment:
#Gophers placeholder Casey O’Brien revealed before Friday’s hospital visit in Tampa that he’s now a FIVE-time cancer survivor, but the doctors feel they got it all off his lung and he doesn’t have to go through any more treatments.
Scary but bottom line great news.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 27, 2019
Regardless of the Outback Bowl, this is definitely the biggest win for Minnesota this postseason! Best wishes to O’Brien, someone is definitely a true warrior and a special player!
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.