Syracuse Football: Former Orange LB Luke Cain Passes Away at 33

Sad news today as former Syracuse Orange linebacker Luke Cain has passed away at the age of 33. Cain was found unconscious in his Washington, D.C. apartment over the weekend.

Cain played for Syracuse between 2004 and 2006. Though he received a full scholarship, he didn't graduate from SU and he ended up homeless for a time, panhandling in downtown Syracuse. Despite some mental and communication issues, Cain fondly remembered his senior season with the Orange.

Cain smiles when he talks about his football career. In his 2006 senior year, Cain played in all 12 games, starting in 11. In a game against West Virginia, he registered six tackles and forced a fumble. Against Wyoming, he registered a season-best eight tackles and recorded the second sack of his career.

At the time, SU did reach out to Cain to try to assist him but at some point he returned home to D.C.

Some wondered if concussions and other football-related injuries played a role in Cain's situation but it was never verified as far as we know.