Former Minnesota OL Nick Connelly dies from cancer at age 22

Nick Connelly was a starting right tackle at Minnesota in 2017.

He then retired late last season due to concussions and injuries involving his head. On Tuesday, Golden Gophers coach P.J. Fleck started his press conference by talking about Connelly, stating that he was battling Burkitt’s lymphoma — a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Two days later, Minnesota’s official football account on Twitter announced that the Gophers were mourning his loss:

#Gophers mourn the loss of former offensive tackle Nick Connelly. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/R7OLoPwmX7

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 20, 2018

Connelly was 22-years-old. Fleck talked about the former tackle on Tuesday:

“He’s got incredible resolve, and he’s a wonderful human being. I know he’s got a lot of teammates praying for him and that’s important.”

This world lost an amazing person…RIP to my football brother Nick Connelly. I have so many amazing and fun memories that I was able to share with you during my time at Minnesota. Love you brother. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cs5Hjz8qVc

— Conye (@ConnorMayesOL) September 20, 2018

Fleck, on Thursday, released this statement:

#Gophers coach PJ Fleck's statement on death of former lineman Nick Connelly, includes note that U will honor him in #B1G opener Saturday at Maryland. "He was an amazing young man who took exceptional pride in playing for his hometown Gophers and loved wearing maroon and gold."

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) September 20, 2018