Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Former Golden Gopher Casey O’Brien reveals he’s battling cancer again

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Former Minnesota placeholder Casey O’Brien has revealed that he’s fighting cancer once again. He’s beaten the disease five times and has been an inspiration to so many across the country.

O’Brien revealed his diagnosis while talking with KARE 11’s Randy Shaver.

“I had a relapse in my right lung from the osteosarcoma that I’ve been through five times before,” O’Brien said.

“I would tell you that obviously was surprised, but not shocked. I’ve been through this stuff five times already and I know it’s pesky and that it’s not gonna let me get off the hook easy.”

O’Brien was a member of Minnesota’s football program from 2017-20. In 2019, he played in two games for the Golden Gophers, making his debut in a win over Rutgers.

After making his first-ever appearance, O’Brien and head coach PJ Fleck shared an incredible moment on the sideline:

https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1185682965625475072?s=20&t=EoVEFdpy1Gac7PZ7-6Vyig

During B1G Media Days in 2019, O’Brien received a standing ovation after delivering a strong and inspirational keynote speech during the Kickoff Luncheon.

We’re all wishing Casey the best in his fight against cancer.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB