Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich has died after suffering a traumatic injury during a game last weekend, university officials confirmed Thursday.
Ulrich, a sophomore defensive back for the Crimson Storm, was hospitalized following an injury sustained during Saturday’s loss to Ouachita Baptist. Despite receiving medical care, he later died from his injuries.
Southern Nazarene University President Keith Newman announced Ulrich’s death in a statement Thursday, describing him as a cherished member of the university community.
“Earlier today, Tyler Ulrich, a beloved member of our SNU football team and student body, passed away,” Newman said. “Tyler sustained a traumatic injury during last Saturday’s football game. Since that time, he has been in the hospital, continually surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates, and dear friends.”
Tyler Ulrich died from his injuries after being rushed to the hospital following an incident during Southern Nazarene University’s football game against Ouachita Baptist on Saturday.
In the wake of the tragedy, Southern Nazarene University canceled its upcoming Saturday football game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
“Please keep Tyler’s family, teammates, coaches, and friends in your continued prayers during this unimaginably difficult time,” the university said in its statement. “Our Renew Counseling Center and Campus Pastors are available for our campus community who need assistance to process this sorrow.”
According to KOCO News 5 ABC, a play-by-play announcer covering the Oklahoma college football game described Ulrich’s injury as one of the most disturbing incidents he had ever witnessed on the field.
Ulrich’s father also confirmed his son’s passing in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon. In an earlier social media update, he revealed that the Southern Nazarene defensive back had suffered a head injury during the game.
Tyler Ulrich, a sophomore defensive back at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), is being remembered by his family, coaches, and teammates following his tragic death.
His father, Mark Ulrich, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers the family received during the difficult time.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler, and we are ever grateful,” Mark Ulrich wrote on Facebook. “But as much support and love that was given, it is with a heavy heart I am writing to say the Lord called Tyler this morning at 11:13am.
“Tyler will join many of our loved ones that have passed. Tyler led a life full of faith passion and being a BEAST on the football field!!! He will be remembered always.”
Members of Southern Nazarene University’s football coaching staff also paid heartfelt tributes to the young athlete on social media.
SNU head coach Dustin Hada honored Ulrich in a post on X, highlighting his faith, character, and dedication.
“Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!” Hada wrote.
Former Southern Nazarene assistant coach Josh Stansell also remembered Ulrich, describing the late defensive back with one powerful word: “warrior.”
Former Southern Nazarene University assistant coach Josh Stansell paid an emotional tribute to Tyler Ulrich, remembering him as a dedicated teammate whose faith played a central role in his life.
“No other way to describe the young man,” Stansell wrote on X. “A rare breed. Up for every task, always putting his teammates before self. The 1 thing Tyler loved more than his teammates, was his faith in Jesus Christ.
“He ran his race and is home with our Lord in Heaven.”
