The Louisiana football community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver Devonta Lee. He was just 26 years old.
Both LSU and Louisiana Tech confirmed Lee’s passing Thursday with emotional tribute posts. According to The Advocate, Lee had been battling cancer. His mother, Lacresia Brown, told KTVE that her son had been fighting the disease courageously.
“He was a fighter, and he loved everybody,” Brown said. “Devonta was a good kid. He would do anything for anybody. He loved football, and he gave his all in anything he did.”
Lee previously battled osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, in 2022. In true warrior fashion, he worked his way back onto the field and suited up for Louisiana Tech during the 2024 season, according to The Advocate.
Louisiana Tech football shared a statement on X, writing that the program was “deeply saddened” by Lee’s passing. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family.”
Before transferring to Louisiana Tech, Lee was part of one of the greatest teams in college football history. He played at LSU and was a member of the Tigers’ unforgettable 2019 national championship squad.
That team featured future NFL stars Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, but Lee still carved out a role as a true freshman. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 27 offensive snaps and 81 on special teams in 2019, including five snaps in the national championship win over Clemson in New Orleans.
Lee caught his first two college passes that season for 27 yards. In 2021, he recorded nine receptions for 85 yards and scored his lone collegiate touchdown.
Long before the bright lights of the SEC, Lee was a standout at Amite High School in Louisiana. As a senior, he scored 22 total touchdowns and helped lead his team to a state championship. He caught 42 passes that year and added seven interceptions on defense, proving he was a playmaker on both sides of the ball.
Tributes quickly poured in from former teammates. Ja’Marr Chase shared a photo of the two standing side by side, writing simply, “RIP D. Lee,” followed by a prayer emoji.
He is now on the Lord’s team.