Kamal Ghorui
Devonta Lee, a former wide receiver for LSU and Louisiana Tech, has died after battling bone cancer. Louisiana Tech Football shared the sad news on social media and sent prayers to his family, friends, and teammates. The school called him a forever Bulldog. His passing has left the college football world in shock. Devonta Lee was only in his mid-20s and had already fought so much in life. He was once a top high school football star in Louisiana. He later became part of LSU’s 2019 national championship team. After transferring to Louisiana Tech, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a serious type of bone cancer. He went through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. For a while, he was declared cancer-free. But sadly, the disease returned. This is a heartbreaking loss for both programs and for everyone who followed his journey.
Devonta Lee’s journey from LSU national championship to Louisiana Tech fight with osteosarcoma
Devonta Lee grew up in Fluker, Louisiana. At Amite High School, he became a four-star recruit and played alongside future NFL wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Lee once spoke openly about his tough childhood. He said, “I came from nothing…I grew up in a house with rats and roaches.” Those words showed how far he had come.He joined LSU in 2019 and played 13 games as a freshman during the Tigers’ national title run. That season, LSU won the College Football Playoff National Championship. Lee had two catches for 27 yards and also helped on special teams. Looking back at that year, he said, “Championship my first year, the SEC championship, the Peach Bowl. That was amazing.”After three seasons at LSU, Devonta Lee transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022. Soon after arriving, he started feeling strong back pain. Doctors later diagnosed him with osteosarcoma. He had two surgeries, ten weeks of chemotherapy, and seven weeks of radiation. After a long fight, he rang the bell to mark the end of treatment and was declared cancer-free at one point.Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie praised him during that time. He said, “He’s got a fighter’s spirit. He fights. He’s beaten extreme odds before.” Lee finished his college career with 13 catches for 129 yards and one touchdown. But his strength and heart meant more than stats. Devonta Lee will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a fighter who never gave up.
