Former Gophers Football Player Casey O’Brien Announces His Cancer Is Back

O’Brien Was Diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in 2019

Former Gophers football player Casey O’Brien announced on Monday that his cancer has returned. O’Brien, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2019, shared the news on Twitter, writing, “The cancer is back. It’s not the news I wanted to share, but it’s the truth.”

In a statement released through the university, O’Brien said that he learned of the cancer’s return during a recent checkup.

”I’m still processing this news,” O’Brien said. “It’s been a tough few days, but I’m trying to stay positive and focus on my treatment.”

O’Brien is scheduled to begin chemotherapy next week. He said he is confident that he will beat cancer again. "I've already been through this once, and I know I can do it again," he said. "I'm not going to give up."

O’Brien Played Football at the University of Minnesota from 2009-2012

O’Brien was a standout defensive lineman for the Gophers from 2009-2012. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and was named the team's MVP in 2012.

After graduating from Minnesota, O’Brien signed with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. He was waived by the Vikings during training camp and never played in an NFL game.

O’Brien was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and was declared cancer-free in 2020.

O’Brien’s Cancer Return Is a Reminder of the Importance of Early Detection

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is often curable if it is detected early.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colon cancer begin screening at age 45. People with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

If you have any symptoms of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea, see your doctor right away.