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Minnesota Holder Casey O'Brien Says on Twitter He's Survived Cancer for 5th Time

Sarah Stier/Associated Press

Minnesota walk-on holder Casey O'Brien announced on Twitter that he has survived cancer for the fifth time:

Per the Minnesota football team website, O'Brien was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 13 years old. He played quarterback before his cancer diagnosis but stayed on the football field as a holder through high school.

The two-time Academic All-Big Ten member and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar played in two games during the 2019 season. He held for three extra-point attempts against Rutgers (42-7 win) and Maryland (52-10 victory). All six extra points were good.

The Golden Gophers finished 11-2 and capped their season with an Outback Bowl victory against Auburn.