Former Syracuse QB Rex Culpepper Dead at 28
Rex Culpepper, a former quarterback at Syracuse University who overcame testicular cancer during his college career, has died at 28 following injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident in Georgia. His fiancée, Savanna Morgan, confirmed his passing in an Instagram post on Monday.
Engaged Less Than a Month Before His Death
Culpepper had recently proposed to Morgan, with the couple sharing photos of the engagement on social media — including images of Culpepper on one knee and Morgan showing off the ring. The announcement came less than a month before his death.
In her tribute post, Morgan reflected on six years together. "No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting," she wrote. "You made six years feel like a lifetime, Rexy."
She described a relationship defined by constant adventure and presence. "We did every little thing that we set our minds to, between learning new skills and hobbies, and traveling to new places. There was never any free time with us and not a moment spent apart."
A College Career Defined by Resilience
Culpepper played four seasons at Syracuse from 2017 through 2020, appearing in 30 games primarily as a backup quarterback, with some time also spent at tight end. He passed for 1,546 yards and 11 touchdowns across his college career.
His time at Syracuse was marked by a battle far bigger than football. In March 2018, Culpepper was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent extensive chemotherapy. Despite the grueling treatment, he took the field in Syracuse's spring game that season, leading his team on a final drive that ended in a touchdown.
He was declared cancer-free in June 2018.
Tributes From Teammates and Loved Ones
Former Syracuse teammate Eric Dungey paid tribute on social media, calling Culpepper "a guy who had zero fear and truly lived life to the fullest."
Morgan echoed that sentiment in her post. "You don't just meet people like Rex all the time," she wrote. "He was one in a billion. There wasn't one thing that man couldn't do. Lawyer, mechanic, musician, chef, athlete, nerd… lover."
A Football Family
Culpepper came from a deep football background. Culpepper’s father Brad was a defensive tackle who played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears, and later appeared on Survivor: Blood vs Water and was a runner up on Survivor: Game Changers.
Rex’s mother Monica also competed on Survivor: Blood vs. Water and Survivor: One World. His younger brother, Judge Culpepper, also played college football as a defensive tackle at both Penn State and Toledo.
'He Truly Lived Life to the Fullest'
Morgan's tribute captured what those who knew Culpepper most wanted remembered — not just the athlete or the cancer survivor, but the person.
"I'm sure that myself and all of you who cared about him will never truly be able to move on after knowing someone like him," she wrote.
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