Tyler Ulrich, a 21-year-old sophomore safety at Southern Nazarene University, died Thursday following a head injury sustained during a football game in Arkansas last week. The injury occurred on October 10 in a match against Ouachita Baptist University, where Southern Nazarene lost 49-14.
The game, held in Arkadelphia, was paused for nearly an hour as medical teams treated Ulrich on the field before transporting him to hospital. According to Ulrich’s father, Mark, who posted on Facebook, his son suffered a head injury. Five days later, Mark Ulrich announced Tyler’s death at 11:13 a.m., expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support the family received.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful,” Mark Ulrich wrote. He remembered Tyler by highlighting his faith and his dedication to football, describing him as someone who "led a life full of faith passion and being a BEAST on the football field!!!" He added, "He will be remembered always."
Southern Nazarene University, a private institution in Bethany, Oklahoma, competes in the NCAA Division II Great American Conference. The university’s athletic department confirmed Ulrich’s death in a social media post, stating, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich. This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer."
Head coach Dustin Hada also paid tribute to Ulrich on social media, describing him as a "Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous." Hada’s message emphasized the personal qualities Ulrich displayed both on and off the field.
Ulrich, from Azle, Texas—northwest of Fort Worth—had appeared in 20 games over three seasons at Southern Nazarene, starting 16 of those contests, according to The Athletic. The university did not release an official cause of death or further details regarding the injury. The game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University scheduled for Saturday was canceled following the announcement of Ulrich’s passing.
The injury and subsequent death have left the Southern Nazarene football community and beyond in mourning. The university’s request for prayers reflects the shock and sorrow felt across campus and among teammates.
No additional information about the events leading to the head injury or medical treatment has been provided by the university or hospital. The impact of the loss on the team’s season and the broader NCAA Division II community remains to be seen.
According to Yahoo Sports.
