A talented quarterback and cancer survivor are not something you often associate in sports. Ole Miss QB Braden Waterman’s career demonstrates both his athletic ability and his resilience in the face of adversity, making him a significant figure in college football today. He persisted in pursuing his love of football in spite of the difficulties his sickness presented. He currently weighs 200 pounds and stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall. As of now, his narrative exemplifies the spirit of overcoming adversity through tenacity and resolve.

At the age of 17, Waterman, a native of Bakersfield, received a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 2020. He had already participated in a complete season of high school football (Bakersfield Christian) in 2019 when he received this diagnosis. Although his medical journey was difficult, he maintained his fortitude during this trying time.

During the 2024 season, Braden Waterman was unable to attend any game. Nevertheless, he has contributed significantly to the team’s culture and morale, receiving recognition from players and coaches for his fortitude and optimism despite his health issues. According to Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, Waterman’s presence acts as an illustration of resilience for players who may be dealing with their own issues.

Safe to say, he is a true warrior. The cancer-survivor quarterback remains actively involved in community service outside of sport. In addition to being a player, Waterman has further cemented his position within the program by interacting with the Miss community as a spokesperson for The Groove Collective.

Despite this, the talented quarterback’s life has not been easy due to his four-year struggle with a life-threatening illness. Explore in detail his unusual life path.

Braden Waterman’s 4-year inspirational tale

In 2020, shortly after finishing his junior season at high school, Waterman received his initial diagnosis of Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma on New Year’s Day. He was unaware that he had been fighting cancer over the whole 2019 season, enduring symptoms like fever and exhaustion without knowing why. He received chemotherapy for four months after his diagnosis. In spite of the harsh treatment, he bounced back to dominate his high school senior year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns to secure a walk-on berth at Rebels.

When Waterman started his college career in July 2023, he discovered that his cancer had resurfaced. He chose a new course of treatment this time, concentrating on nutritional adjustments to help fight the illness. He stopped eating sugar and gluten and went to Invictus Health in Fayetteville for alternative therapies. Following a six-week course of treatment, Waterman declared on the internet that he was fully cancer-free on October 20, 2023. As a major turning point in his recuperation, the news was warmly received by the Miss family and beyond. Hope the Ole Miss combatant has a bright future.