The Purdue football stadium, Rose-Ade stadium, will have a little modification this offseason. The student gate will be renamed Tyler Trent student gate after Tyler’s inspirational story this year. Tyler is unfortunately no longer with us, but he definitely left his imprint on college football. We first heard of Tyler story on Purdue’s biggest football game of the year.
On October 20, 2018, Purdue was hosting Ohio State who looked at the time on their way to an undefeated season. Tyler was in the audience and was able to meet the team before the game. Throughout the game the camera would show Tyler with his Purdue blanket and family. Purdue would go up 14 to 3 at halftime and the second half was dominated by Purdue. As the game was closing the camera showed Tyler getting wheeled up the player entrance and the smile on his face was priceless. The players exited the field giving Tyler a hug and shakes as it showed the players played for Tyler. The players talked after the game about how much Tyler story was such an inspiration and that they had him in their thoughts during the game.
In December Tyler was awarded the Disney spirit award at the College Football Hall of Fame, and gave this emotional speech.
Tyler’s story will always be remembered at Purdue and his inspirational will humble us all. This is another story of why sports are sometimes bigger than a simple game.
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