Derrick Nash, a cornerback for the Central Michigan Chippewas, has passed away from leukemia at the age of 20. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2013.
After signing with Central Michigan in February 2013, Nash was diagnosed with leukemia three months later as he neared the end of his senior year at Carrollton High School in Saginaw. After undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Nash joined the Chippewas in 2014 and took part in spring practice.
Nash was on track to earn a spot on CMU’s active roster for the 2014 season but doctors then found the leukemia had returned.
Central Michigan honored Nash last season with a helmet sticker and team members wore #NashStrong wristbands. He served as the team’s honorary captain for the 2014 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.
