Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche takes brother Denzel’s place in Ole Miss senior walk.
As news broke recently that Ole Miss defensive end Robert Nkemdiche is a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football, a much sadder story for Nkemdiche surfaced.
His brother and teammate, talented Ole Miss senior linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche, was unconscious in an intensive care unit. Details on the incident are sketchy. Early in the week, the team announced that Denzel was questionable for Saturday’s game because of “personal reasons.”
Soon, however, it was revealed that the personal reason was actually a serious illness. Though his life is reportedly not in danger, Denzel was still hospitalized for Saturday’s game, missing not only the match-up against the LSU Tigers, but also an event honoring seniors.
Denzel Nkemdiche unable to attend. Robert walks out and hugs Freeze in his place. Thinking of our Rebel ❤️💙
— Brandi Ratliff (@SouthrnGrlRebel) November 21, 2015
Denzel missed his last home game, and his brother stood in for him during the traditional senior walk.
Senior Day here at #OleMiss. Denzel Nkemdiche not here. Been hospitalized all week. Brother Robert, a junior, runs out in his place. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 21, 2015
Denzel’s family has released a statement that he is still hospitalized and that they are focused on “making sure he receives the highest level of medical care,” according to Saturday Down South. The family has also asked for privacy. Meanwhile, Denzel’s presence on the field will be missed.
Denzel Nkemdiche was the spark plug that energized the Ole Miss defense Hugh Freeze's first year. We called him Taz pic.twitter.com/ztKxAGvdut
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) November 21, 2015
Ole Miss has a record of 7-3 and is ranked 25th nationally while LSU has a record of 7-2 and is ranked 17th.