College football player Ben Conken has died at the age of 20 following a battle with cancer. The defensive outside linebacker had signed to play for the University of West Florida Argonauts as part of the team's 2024 recruiting class.
Shortly after joining the collegiate athletic program in Pensacola, Florida, Conken was diagnosed with cancer. The illness prevented him from appearing in a game for the university, though he remained actively involved with the team throughout his medical treatment.
West Florida Athletics released a statement honoring the young player following his death. "Shortly after joining our program, he began a hard fought battle with cancer but continued to show his support for UWF," the department said. "He will forever remain a member of this team and an Argo for life."
High school standout in Mobile
Before moving to college football, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker was a star player at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama.
During his senior high school season, Conken dominated on the field, recording 10 sacks, 85 tackles, and five forced fumbles. In addition to football, he also competed in basketball and baseball for the academy.
Cottage Hill head coach Carvel Jones remembered Conken as a "dawg on the football field." Jones recalled how the linebacker maintained his trademark smile even while undergoing treatment for his illness.
Tributes paid to young athlete
Following his passing, emotional tributes poured in online from former coaches, staff, teammates, and family members. Cottage Hill Christian Academy expressed deep sorrow over the loss, sharing that "our hearts are broken by his passing."
"While our hearts are broken by his passing, we are comforted by the knowledge that he knew the Lord and placed his faith in Him," Cottage Hill Christian Academy said in a statement. "His earthly battle is over, and we trust that he is now resting in the presence of his Savior."
An emotional obituary detailed Conken's dedication to football and his dream of playing at the collegiate level. "Football was his favorite, and he dreamed of one day playing Division I," the obituary read. "He earned the opportunity to live that dream as a scholarship defensive outside linebacker for the University of West Florida Argonauts."
The obituary noted that Conken was intensely competitive while maintaining sportsmanship, fairness, and character. He lived by a personal mantra of "get up and do something" and was not content with a life of passive observation.
Even while receiving extensive medical care, Conken remained focused on helping others. "Even when countless healthcare workers, support staff, and volunteers devoted themselves to his care, Ben was actively learning so that he could return that care tenfold to others," his obituary stated.
"His heroes were those who saw a need, had the ability to meet it, and quietly answered the call without praise, recognition, or reward," the obituary added. "He would absolutely hate to have to read all this about himself."
