Tyler Trent would have loved this. You just know it.
He enjoyed being a Purdue student. But he seemed to cherish being a Purdue sports fan even more. So, it’s apt a permanent campus memorial in his honor has been established outside the northeast corner of Ross-Ade Stadium. Tyler loved the football team.
Today, Purdue president Mitch Daniels unveiled plans for a sweeping steel arch over Gate E—the gate students pass through to enter Ross-Ade Stadium. "The Tyler Trent Memorial Gate" will be erected before the start of the football season. It will include gold lettering and the moniker “T2,” Trent’s signature mark. Just to the left of the gate, on Ross-Ade’s brick façade, a plaque with Trent’s image will read “Forever Our Captain.” Purdue trustees chair Mike Berghoff, founder and president of Lenex Steel in Indianapolis, will donate fabrication and the installation of the gate and plaque.
“There are no words, really,” said Tony Trent, Tyler’s father “This is quite an honor. And it’s humbling. There are just no words to express our gratitude to Purdue University and our gratitude to everybody involved who made this happen. The people who sacrificed and donated the steel … we are just grateful.”
Gate E is where Trent first was introduced to the world while camping outside of Ross-Ade Stadium the night before Purdue’s home game vs. Michigan on September 23, 2017. The Friday before the game, Mike Carmin of the Lafayette Journal & Courier discovered Trent and a friend in a tent, looking to gain a good seat the next day. Trent told his story to Carmin, who included the anecdote in the paper the next day. The rest is history.
Daniels also announced the inaugural recipient of the Tyler Trent Courage and Resilience Award, a scholarship in Trent’s honor. Sean P. English, a freshman in exploratory studies from Northville, Mich., is the scholarship recipient.
On April 2, 2017, while traveling to Sunday Mass, the English family came upon an overturned vehicle on a Detroit freeway. Sean Jr. and his parents got out to help the accident victims. So did another motorist, a pulmonologist at Henry Ford Hospital. Sean Jr. and the doctor were hit by another vehicle. The doctor died from her injuries. Sean Jr. lost his foot and would later lose his right leg. He would have more than 13 surgeries by his father’s last count, according to the Detroit News.
“I’m stunned and honored to receive an award that bears Tyler’s name,” English said. “Without this support and that of Purdue University over the past year, I would never have been able to achieve my dream of attending college, let alone an institution such as Purdue.”
Tony Trent was moved, as well.
“When I found out who won and I watched the video of him, I couldn't help but smile inside to realize he looks a little bit like Tyler, he smiles like Tyler … and who he is an individual, his character, it’s a match for sure," said Tony Trent."
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Trent endeared himself not just to Purdue fans, but to the nation. His selfless attitude, message of hope and unwavering faith while staring down a rare form of bone cancer touched millions.
The Carmel, Ind., native became a de facto member of the football team in 2018. He was the honorary team captain for the August 30th "Hammer Down Cancer" season-opener vs. Northwestern. Trent forged a tight bond with the team last season, especially captain David Blough.
Trent’s story became national when ESPN GameDay did a feature on him prior to Purdue’s home game with Ohio State last October. Myriad prominent personalities from across the nation reached out to Trent, offering hope, love and inspiration on one of the most memorable days in Ross-Ade Stadium that saw the Boilermakers upset No. 2 Ohio State, 49-20.
Drew Brees tweeted that day: “Congrats @BoilerFootball You make us proud. @theTylerTrent you willed it to happen and it did!!!! Proud to be a Boilermaker! #TYLERSTRONG”
In addition to offering hope in the face of adversity, Trent wanted to help find a cure for cancer. He was tireless in his fundraising. And his work paid off. In January, the Purdue Cancer Center said that it met his goal to raise $1 million for cancer research. Money is still being raised.
Trent’s last public appearance was during Purdue’s trip to the Music City Bowl on December 28, when he served as an honorary captain and took part in the pregame coin toss. He passed away on January 1, 2019, at age 20.
Blough tweeted: “Rest In Peace to my friend, my captain, my brother, my hero. You inspired us all by the way you lived. I love you, and I can’t wait to see you again. Forever #Tyler”
They say it’s not the quantity of years you live that matter. Rather, it’s the quality. No doubt, Tyler Trent squeezed a lot of living into his 20 years. He made an impact that will resonate for years.
“Tyler showed the character and resiliency to which we all should aspire,” Daniels said. “His message of hope and positivity resonated far beyond our campus; it truly touched the entire nation. His story is now a big part of the Purdue history, and this gate and scholarship will serve to preserve it forever.”
Trent left an enduring message that was emblazoned on the yellow wristbands he loved to hand out. The inscription was a Bible verse that was central to how he lived his life, especially the past few years.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Thanks for the message, Tyler. You never will be forgotten. And that’s the best legacy of all.
"They did a fantastic job," said Tony Trent. "We heard a statue earlier … that’s not Tyler. This is Tyler."
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