Devonta Lee, former LSU and Louisiana Tech receiver, dies at 26 after cancer battle
Schools and family confirmed Thursday that devonta lee, a former wide receiver at LSU and Louisiana Tech, has died at the age of 26 after a battle with cancer. The announcements and tributes from his family, former teams and teammates capture a career that included a national championship with LSU and a return to play after a serious illness.
Devonta Lee's family statement and team tributes
Lee's mother, Lacresia Brown, confirmed that he had been battling cancer and described him as “a fighter” who “loved everybody. ” She said he was a good kid who would do anything for anybody and that he loved football and gave his all in everything he did. Both LSU and Louisiana Tech posted tributes Thursday; LSU wrote that its football family mourns the loss of former Tiger Devonta Lee and expressed thoughts for his family, friends and teammates, while LA Tech said it was deeply saddened and that he will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family.
Cancer history: osteosarcoma in 2022 and a return to football
Lee had previously dealt with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 2022 before returning to the field. After his recovery he resumed his football career and played for Louisiana Tech during the 2024 season.
Role on LSU's 2019 championship roster and early college snaps
Lee was part of the 2019 LSU team that won the national championship. He found himself in a wide receiver room that featured Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase but still saw the field as a true freshman. That season he logged 27 offensive snaps and 81 special teams snaps, including five snaps in the national championship game against Clemson, and he caught his first two college passes for a total of 27 yards.
Later college production and high school achievements
In 2021 Lee recorded nine catches for 85 yards and his only collegiate touchdown. He later joined Louisiana Tech and played for the Bulldogs in 2024. Before college, Lee attended Amite High School in Louisiana, where as a senior he scored 22 touchdowns and helped his team win a state title; that season he caught 42 passes and also recorded seven interceptions.
Teammate reaction: Ja'Marr Chase and a final image
Former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase posted a story that included a group photo with the two standing next to each other and wrote, "RIP D. Lee, " followed by a prayer emoji. The post joined the family and team tributes mourning Lee's death and recalling his competitiveness and personality.
Legacy and remembrance
At 26, Devonta Lee's life and career are remembered in statements from his mother, his two college programs and former teammates. He is remembered both for overcoming osteosarcoma in 2022 to return to play in 2024 and for his contributions as a member of LSU's 2019 championship roster.
