When Notre Dame take on Oregon State in the Sun Bowl, cornerback Jaden Mickey will be playing with a heavy heart.
On Friday, Mickey’s father Lamar Mickey announced that his mother, Nilka, passed away following a battle with colorectal cancer.
“Rest in Peace Mama Mickey!! I love you!! 25 years together!! What a great ride!! I love you!!” Lamar Mickey posted on X early this morning.
According to the South Bend Tribune, Nilka had been in hospice care since the fall and had been battling the cancer since 2020.
Notre Dame fans and friends have been sending their thoughts and prayers to the Mickey family during this tragic time:
“Your wife was a light in this world but her light shines now in heaven and will remain bright on this earth through all of you. I lost my grandmother to the same cancer – I stood by her as you did for your wife. I know this pain and also this peace of knowing she can now rest,” one user replied.
“Sending prayers!! Lost my wife to cancer as well almost 5 years ago sorry for your families loss !!” wrote another.
“May her memory be forever a blessing,” a third wrote.
The Sun Bowl between Notre Dame and Oregon State will be at 2 p.m. ET on CBS.