Furman Football Player Dies Aged 21

(LibertySociety.com) – Tragedy struck on February 7 at Furman University in South Carolina after a football player collapsed during practice. Bryce Stanfield, 21, was transported to a local hospital and immediately put on life support. On February 9, he died with his family and friends by his side. Stanfield played three seasons as a defensive tackle for the Paladins and was gearing up for a fourth. He was majoring in health sciences at the university and planned to go to dental school upon graduation. University President Elizabeth Davis conferred his bachelor’s degree after she was informed of his death.

A statement released by coach Clay Hendrix asked for everyone to pray for Stanfield’s parents and family as they mourned his loss. He wrote that the team was “heartbroken beyond measure,” and noted that Stanfield was “the best representative we could have.” Stanfield received the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll award two times and served at the university’s Heler Service Corps Men of Distinction. He often went to the children’s hospital in Greenville to visit patients, and he frequently visited local schools to read to the children.

Stanfield was originally from Acworth, Georgia, where he played football for Harrison High School. He was offered a position on 25 different college teams but ultimately chose to play for the Paladins. He also excelled in track and field, throwing shot put and discus. In 2021, he earned the SoCon All-Freshman Team honor but did not finish the season due to a foot injury. He played every game in the 2022 season, where the Paladins won seven consecutive games. In 2023, he had the second-highest number of sacks in the team’s history. He and seven other Paladin teammates made the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Two visitations were held for Stanfield on February 12 and February 17. His obituary requested that people who were attending the first visitation wear Furman’s school colors. Those attending the second visitation were asked to wear Harrison High School gear to support its football team.

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