Former Texas HS Football Player Dies After Injury in College Game

BETHANY, OK — Former Azle High School football standout Tyler Ulrich died Thursday after suffering what Southern Nazarene University called a "traumatic injury” during a college football game last weekend.

Ulrich, 21, was a sophomore safety for the Division II school in Bethany, Oklahoma

Southern Nazarene was playing at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 10, when he was injured, which delayed the game for nearly an hour while he received medical attention before being transported to a hospital.

The school has not revealed the cause of death or the injury he sustained.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich," SNU Athletics said in a post on its X account. "This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer."

School president Keith Newman said Ulrich died in the hospital "surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends."

Ulrich was in his third season at Southern Nazarene and had started 16 games. He had six starts this year and was third on the team with 36 tackles.

Southern Nazarene has canceled its game this week at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Ulrich attended high school at Azle, a 5A school northwest of Fort Worth. He earned academic all-state honors and also qualified for the state powerlifting meet.

In a social media post Thursday, Mark, one of Tyler's family members, announced his passing:

"Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful. But as much support and love that was given, it is with a heavy heart I am writing to say the Lord called Tyler this morning," Mark Ulrich said. "Tyler will join many of our loved ones that have passed. Tyler led a life full of faith, passion and being a BEAST on the football field!!! He will be remembered always."