The college football world mourned Thursday as news broke of the passing of Devonta Lee, a former wide receiver who suited up for both LSU and Louisiana Tech. Lee was 27 years old. His mother, Lacresia Brown, confirmed that her son had been battling cancer. No official cause of death has been announced, but he had previously been diagnosed with osteosarcoma — a form of bone cancer — in 2023 and had been declared cancer-free following an intense and grueling treatment process.
Both LSU Football and Louisiana Tech Football took to social media to share their grief and extend condolences to the Lee family, with each program expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a young man who had left a lasting impression far beyond the football field.
Lee Came From Humble Beginnings to Chase Greatness
Devonta Lee grew up in Fluker, Louisiana — a small, modest town that shaped him into the resilient person he became. He attended Amite High School, where he shared the field with future Philadelphia Eagles star DeVonta Smith, forming one of the most dynamic receiving duos in Louisiana high school football history. He helped the Amite Warriors claim the 2018 2A State Championship and graduated as the No. 6 ranked recruit in the state of Louisiana in the 2019 class.
Lee arrived at LSU as a four-star wide receiver with enormous promise. As a true freshman, He was part of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team, playing in 13 games, catching two passes for 27 yards and contributing on special teams. It was a dream beginning — SEC Championship, Peach Bowl victory and a national title ring all in his first college season. Lee went on to total 11 receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown during his three seasons in Baton Rouge before transferring to Louisiana Tech in 2022.
Lee’s Cancer Diagnosis Became His Defining Fight
Shortly after arriving in Ruston, Lee began experiencing severe back pain during workouts. What followed was every young athlete’s worst nightmare — a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that threatened not only his football career but his life. He underwent two surgeries, 10 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation in a battle that tested every ounce of his character.
Through it all, he never wavered. He maintained his faith, kept his spirit alive and eventually rang the bell signifying he was cancer-free — a moment he described as a pure blessing. Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie had praised Lee’s perseverance throughout the ordeal, calling him a fighter with a spirit unlike any he had encountered. His battle inspired teammates, coaches, fans and strangers alike across Louisiana and beyond.
Lee Returned to the Field Before His Passing
After being declared cancer-free, Lee made an emotional return to Louisiana Tech and suited up for the Bulldogs in 2024 — this time on the defensive side of the ball, recording two solo tackles. The fact that he returned to competitive college football at all after what his body had endured stood as a testament to everything his mother said he was — dedicated, hardworking and someone who never gave up.
Brown remembered her son as a good kid who would do anything for anybody, a player who worked out every day and gave everything he had. Lee’s love for football was immense, and it carried him through circumstances that would have broken most people.
A Legacy That Will Live Beyond the Field
Devonta Lee leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics. From humble roots in Fluker to a national championship at LSU, through the depths of a cancer battle and back onto the football field — he lived a life of remarkable courage in a painfully short amount of time. He was 27 years old.
The football community continues to pour out its grief across social media, with former teammates, coaches, journalists and fans all sharing memories of a young man whose warmth, fight and love for the game left a permanent mark. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. His family asks for privacy as they mourn their beloved son.
