Casey O'Brien

Photo by: Brad Rempel

Position:
H
Ht./Wt.:
6-1 / 175
Hometown:
Saint Paul, Minn.
High School:
Cretin-Derham Hall
Class:
Redshirt Freshman

PRONUNCIATION

FEATURE STORIES: For Casey O’Brien, football provides refuge and recovery (The Athletic)

HONORS:
Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree (2020)
Academic All-Big Ten (2020, 2019, 2018)
Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2019-20, 2018-19)
Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (1x in 2019)
Disney Spirit Award (2019)

OVERVIEW: Walk-on placeholder and multiple-time cancer survivor • diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) at age 13, but continued his football career as a holder • delivered keynote speech on behalf of Big Ten football players at the Big Ten Football Kickoff Luncheon on July 19, 2019, at the Hilton Chicago • received the 2019 Disney Spirit Award as the most inspirational figure in college football.

2020 • JUNIOR SEASON: Did not see game action.

2019 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in two games • made his Minnesota and collegiate debut at Rutgers when he held three times on point-after attempts • named Big Ten Special teams Player of the Week after competing at Rutgers • made his home debut against Maryland and held on three point-after attempts.

2018 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Did not see game action.

2017: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cretin Derham Hall High School where he played quarterback as a freshman • diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, which is a rare form of bone cancer, as a freshman • has beaten cancer four times (including bouts in high school and college) and after numerous rounds of chemotherapy and treatment to continue his career as a holder • won the Minnesota Football Honors 2016 Courage Award • named Sportscenter School Star of the Night after returning to the field as a holder in high school • lettered in golf (picked up the game after he was diagnosed with cancer) and was named All-Conference in 2017 with a season average of 79 • football coach was Brooks Bollinger.

PERSONAL: Son of Dan and Chris O’Brien • has one brother (Shaymus) and one sister (Brittany) • father Dan and grandfather Mal Scanlan both played football for the University of St. Thomas.