Former high school football player and Michigan Wolverines fan Dametrius “Meechie” Walker has died after a two-year battle with a rare bone cancer.
“Meechie was an inspiration to every member of our program and the Michigan family as a whole,” Michigan Football said in a statement. “He will be missed by so many.”
Our friend. Our brother. Our teammate.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dametrius Walker. Meechie was an inspiration to every member of our program and the Michigan family as a whole. He will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/jFXEMPFgbp
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 9, 2022
Walker was a standout defensive end while playing football for Muskegon High School. He had received scholarship offers from multiple schools, but his dream was to play for Michigan.
In 2020, Walker was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but his cancer returned the following year.
As his story began to spread, Walker was invited to a Wolverines practice in August 2022. Despite being in a lot of pain, the former football player fulfilled his dream of scoring a touchdown at Michigan Stadium.
He returned to the stadium in September to attend Michigan’s game against Maryland. Walker’s attendance was announced over the loudspeaker during a break in the game, and he was wheeled onto the field amid cheers from the fans.
Following his death, Michigan punter Brad Robbins tweeted a tribute to Walker.
“We lost a true embodiment of what it means to be a Michigan man,” he wrote. “Meechie and I texted weekly about his experience and outlook on life.”
Love you Meechie 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/xu8qw52afS
— Brad Robbins (@__BR91) December 9, 2022
He described Walker as positive and always having a smile on his face. “Love you brother,” he wrote.
Walker is survived by his son Kymere, and his mother, Leona Bell.
