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In 2017, Iowa was presented the Disney Spirit Award — given to the most inspirational team or player in college football each season. The Hawkeyes were given the award that year because of its new tradition — The Wave.
In 2018, Purdue superfan, student and team captain, Tyler Trent, won the award.
We’re here in 2019 now and once again, a Big Ten team/individual is bringing home the award:
A BIG chEARS to Casey O’Brien, University of Minnesota football player, this year’s recipient of the Disney Spirit Award. Read his story:
— ESPN Wide World of Sports (@ESPNWWOS) December 11, 2019
Casey O’Brien is a holder at Minnesota. He makes his presence felt on the field in the special teams aspect of the game. However, it’s how he inspires others and what he has had to overcome away from the field that allowed him to win this award.
RELATED: Casey O’Brien to receive awesome, admirable individual honor
O’Brien is a four-time cancer survivor and had another surgery for a “small spot” that doctors found on one of his lungs a few weeks ago.
Over this past offseason, O’Brien gave a speech during the Big Ten Media Days. That can be found below:

Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.