Derrick Nash, Central Michigan DB, Dies at Age 20

Derrick Nash, a Central Michigan football player who was diagnosed with leukemia, died from the disease at the age of 20 on Monday.

Central Michigan football's official Twitter feed announced the news Monday night:

Central Michigan director of athletics Dave Heeke released a statement about Nash's death, per CMUChippewas.com:

"

This is a very difficult loss for our football program and entire Chippewa Athletic Program. Derrick was an inspiration to us all and the fight he showed will never be forgotten. The incredible courage he exhibited in never allowing this terrible disease to dampen his positive outlook on life, is a tremendous representation of the type of man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with Derrick's family and friends during this difficult time.

"

In May 2013, Hugh Bernreuter of MLive.com spoke to Nash following his diagnosis and about signing his letter of intent to play college football. "Playing Division I football...I never thought I would get the chance, but I was getting the chance," Nash said. "Signing that letter of intent was the greatest moment in my life. It was something I thought would never happen."

CMU's release on its website noted that, after going through treatment, Nash took part in spring practice in 2014 and was set to earn a spot on the roster before doctors found the leukemia had returned.

Nash would never get the chance to play in a game for Central Michigan. He redshirted in 2014 while undergoing further treatment for the disease, though he did get to serve as an honorary captain for the Chippewas in the Bahamas Bowl in December.