Notre Dame cornerback Jaden Mickey is playing with a heavy heart this Friday against Oregon State.
Mickey lost his mother, Nilka, to a lengthy battle with cancer. She passed away earlier this week.
When asked if his mother had any requests during his most recent trip back home, Mickey said, “Just go out there and do what I do.”
Well, that’s exactly what Mickey is doing today at the Sun Bowl.
Notre Dame sophomore cornerback Jaden Mickey lost his mother, Nilka, to colon cancer overnight.
He’s still suited up and ready to play in the Sun Bowl. pic.twitter.com/0pf95KY0py
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 29, 2023
College football fans around the country are hoping Mickey has the best game of his career this Friday.
“Do it for mom,” one fan wrote.
Another fan said, “Have a day kid! Praying for him and his family.”
“This kid is mature beyond his years,” a third fan commented. “He will be great at whatever he does in life, football or not.”
Notre Dame currently has an early lead over Oregon State.
Our thoughts are with the Mickey family.