Ole Miss’ Braden Waterman announces he is cancer free: ‘God is so good!’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss walk-on quarterback Braden Waterman, who has been battling Hodgkins Lymphoma since 2020 when he was 17 years old, announced some wonderful news Friday. As he signed on to be an ambassador with The Grove Collective, Waterman told Walker Jones, executive director, that his test results are in and he is cancer free.
This is more than a signing. We are thrilled to welcome @BradenWaterman as a Grove Collection ambassador on such a momentous week for him.
Fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma over the last several years, he has been an inspiration to our program since the day we heard his story.… pic.twitter.com/9r1TTj6Kdi
— The Grove Collective (@grovecollectnil) October 20, 2023
The Bakersfield, California native also posted the news on his own social media, thanking God for everyone who has prayed for him and made donations — and thanking the medical staff who has treated him.
God is so good! 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and on Wednesday I was told that my cancer was gone! I cannot thank everyone who has donated money, prayed for me and supported me through this! Thank you to Dr. Kerry and the Invictus Health staff! pic.twitter.com/WJJNaOz5FI
— Braden Waterman (@BradenWaterman) October 20, 2023
If you would like to donate to Waterman’s GoFundMe, please click here.
On the GoFundMe page, Braden is described as “…tenacious, courageous, faithful.” He is all three — and more.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Waterman was diagnosed on New Year’s Day back in 2020 with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma after just finishing his junior season of high school at Bakersfield Christian. He had unknowingly played the entirety of the 2019 season with cancer.
So when he should have been enjoying his high school days and looking ahead to his senior year, he instead was in the fight of his life facing grueling chemotherapy.
And fight he did.
He was able to return for his senior season — leading his team to the 2022 District Championsip and then into Division Playoffs. He topped off his year by being named All League MVP. During his four years, Waterman tallied 3,027 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and 248 rushing yards.
He joined the Ole Miss football team in 2022 as a walk-on, just wanting to help the team in any way he could. But in July of 2023, his cancer returned. He made a post on social media asking for prayers and help. Rebel fans responded immediately with prayers, words of encouragement and donations.
I don’t really ask for much but I need y’all’s help. God has a great plan for my life and I have been shown day by day. Love the support! We will be back and better than ever!! @Lane_Kiffin
Fundraiser by Marisol ONeil : Help Fight For Braden’s Future https://t.co/NyAfCD8SH6
— Braden Waterman (@BradenWaterman) September 3, 2023
After he announced his cancer had returned, Waterman’s coach Lane Kiffin spoke of his player’s resolve and the respect he has for all he has battled through.
“He’s such an awesome kid, with his energy and positivity. He shows back up here after doing chemo. He’s just so cool. I just love being around him,” Coach Kiffin said before the Rebels played Alabama.
“I just love being around him and talking to our players about when they’re down about they don’t have enough plays and they didn’t carry the ball enough or catch the ball enough, look what he’s going through and fighting through and still here positive. It’s awesome. I really do love him.”
Coach Kiffin on Braden Waterman
As he prepared last week to undergo pet scans that would indicate whether his latest chemo had worked, Waterman again turned to the Rebel community, thanking them for all their support.
Little update for y’all.
Finished my last round of chemo last Wednesday, I have a PET scan scheduled for this Friday. Thank y’all for the continued support! pic.twitter.com/TFW7JTcAcE— Braden Waterman (@BradenWaterman) October 11, 2023
We are so happy for Braden and pray he continues to remain cancer free.
Hotty Toddy!
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
