Rex Culpepper declared cancer-free after final round of chemotherapy

Some awesome news came across Twitter late on Friday, as Syracuse Orange quarterback Rex Culpepper completed his final round of chemotherapy and was declared “cancer-free” according to his father. Syracuse.com’s Stephen Bailey shared this video of Culpepper ringing the bell at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.

In March, the redshirt sophomore shared that he was diagnosed with a treatable form of testicular cancer, and in between treatments, he was able to return to the field for Syracuse during the spring game to throw a touchdown pass on the final play. Since that moment back in April, he’s been continuing his treatment and recovery, with everything culminating in Friday’s news of him being cancer-free.

Culpepper will go in for a final scan in six weeks to confirm his health, according to his father. Assuming all goes well there, he’ll be able to rejoin the Orange after that.

As a redshirt freshman last season, Rex completed 60 percent of his throws for 518 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He had his first career start in the finale against Boston College, and got significant reps against both Central Connecticut and Louisville as well. He’ll be competing with redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito for the back-up quarterback job this year behind Eric Dungey.

Congratulations to Rex on being cancer-free. Given my own brother’s recent losing battle with cancer, I know how trying these diagnoses can be for any individual and their family — especially at such a young age. Every milestone should be celebrated, and Culpepper has achieved a great amount fighting to get to this moment.

Looking forward to seeing him back with SU football this summer.