The Outpouring of Support from the Football Community
Following Ben Christman’s passing, the response from the football world has been overwhelming. From the NFL to high school teams across the country, tributes have poured in to honor his life and legacy. The Las Vegas Raiders, the city’s professional football team, released a statement extending their condolences to Christman’s family, teammates, and the UNLV football program. “The Raiders family joins the UNLV community in mourning the loss of Ben Christman. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who knew and loved him,” the team posted on social media.
Former and current Ohio State, Kentucky, and UNLV players have also shared emotional messages and memories of Christman, highlighting his leadership, humility, and work ethic. Many have noted that beyond his talent on the field, Christman was a supportive and uplifting presence in the locker room.
Ohio State’s former head coach, Ryan Day, stated, “Ben was not just a teammate; he was a brother to so many. His spirit, determination, and heart were unmatched. He represented what it meant to be a Buckeye with honor and class. We are devastated by this loss.”
Kentucky’s offensive line coach, Zach Yenser, added, “Ben was the definition of a fighter. He worked hard every day, and his teammates respected him for that. He was the kind of guy you wanted on your team, both as a player and as a friend.”
Christman’s Potential and Future Aspirations
Before his passing, Christman had been optimistic about his future, both on and off the field. His transfer to UNLV was viewed as a fresh start, an opportunity to prove himself and showcase his skills on a bigger stage. His former high school coach, Mike Murphey, shared that Christman had dreams of one day playing in the NFL and had been dedicated to improving his technique and strength in pursuit of that goal.
“He was just scratching the surface of his potential,” Murphey said. “He had all the physical tools, but what set him apart was his heart. He wanted to be great, not just for himself but for his teammates. That’s the kind of player you root for.”
Academically, Christman had already earned his degree in communication and was considering a future in sports media or coaching if a professional football career didn’t materialize. Friends say he often spoke about wanting to give back to the game and help young players develop their skills, just as his mentors had done for him.
His parents, John and Lisa Christman, expressed pride in the young man their son had become. In a heartfelt statement, they said, “Ben was more than just a football player. He was a loving son, a caring friend, and a devoted teammate. He had so much ahead of him, and we are heartbroken that his journey was cut short. But we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.”
Memorial Services and Tributes
Plans for Christman’s memorial services are currently underway, with multiple events expected to take place in the coming weeks. UNLV has announced that it will hold a tribute during its upcoming spring game, where Christman’s jersey will be displayed on the sidelines and his number will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
At Ohio State and Kentucky, similar tributes are being planned, with former teammates expected to take part in special commemorations. A candlelight vigil at Revere High School, Christman’s alma mater, is also in the works, allowing the local community to come together to celebrate his life.
Additionally, the Christman family has established a charitable foundation in his name. The Ben Christman Memorial Fund will support initiatives related to athlete health and wellness, scholarships for student-athletes, and programs that promote mental health awareness in sports.
“We want Ben’s legacy to be one of positivity and impact,” said his father, John Christman. “If we can help even one young athlete get the support they need—whether it’s medical screenings, mental health resources, or financial assistance for school—then his memory will continue to make a difference.”
A Lasting Legacy
The loss of Ben Christman is a tragedy that has deeply affected all who knew him. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and kindness—qualities that will never be forgotten by his family, friends, and teammates. While his time on this earth was far too short, the impact he left behind is immeasurable.
His memory will live on in the football programs that shaped him, in the teammates who called him a brother, and in the countless lives he touched along the way. As the investigation into his passing continues, the sports world remains united in honoring his life and ensuring that his legacy is remembered for generations to come.
Though gone too soon, Ben Christman’s spirit will always be felt on the field, in the locker room, and in the hearts of those who loved him.
Reflections from Coaches and Teammates
As more people reflect on the life and legacy of Ben Christman, those who knew him best—his coaches and teammates—continue to share their personal stories about his character and dedication.
UNLV’s head coach, Dan Mullen, spoke about the short but profound impact Christman had on the Rebels’ football program. “Even though he had only been with us for a month, he was already a leader in the locker room,” Mullen said in an emotional statement. “He carried himself with humility and dedication, and he was someone you could count on, whether in practice, the weight room, or just in life. He had an incredible future ahead of him.”
Mark Stoops, Kentucky’s head coach, recalled Christman’s resilience during his time with the Wildcats. “Ben was the kind of player who never made excuses. Even after suffering a serious injury, he stayed engaged, supported his teammates, and worked his way back. That’s the kind of person he was—tough, determined, and selfless.”
Ohio State’s Ryan Day echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how Christman embodied the Buckeyes’ values of perseverance and teamwork. “Ben came to Ohio State as a highly touted recruit, but more importantly, he came as a great human being. He gave everything he had to the game and to his teammates. It’s devastating to lose someone like him so young.”
Former Ohio State teammate and current NFL prospect Paris Johnson Jr. shared an emotional tribute, saying, “Ben was more than a teammate—he was a brother. We went through the grind together, and he always had everyone’s back. We lost a good one, and it hurts.”
As these heartfelt messages pour in, it’s evident that Christman’s impact stretched far beyond the football field.
Memorial Services and Tribute Plans
In honor of Christman’s memory, multiple memorial services are being planned across the locations where he played and lived.
- Revere High School Memorial Service – His former high school is organizing a candlelight vigil at their football stadium, where students, teachers, and community members will gather to share memories and celebrate his life. The school’s principal, Ed Conley, noted that Christman was “not just an athlete but a role model to younger students.”
- Ohio State Tribute – The Buckeyes are planning to honor Christman during their 2025 spring game by wearing a decal on their helmets with his initials. A moment of silence will also be observed before kickoff.
- Kentucky and UNLV Joint Tribute – Since Christman was part of both programs, Kentucky and UNLV are discussing the possibility of holding a joint tribute before their respective season openers. Players may wear No. 71 (Christman’s number) patches on their jerseys in his honor.
- NFL Recognition – Given Christman’s standing as a former top recruit and his ties to multiple programs, the NFL community has also expressed its condolences. Some former teammates now in the league have discussed wearing his initials on their cleats during the upcoming season.
Supporting the Christman Family
In response to the overwhelming grief, several GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support the Christman family with funeral expenses and to fund future scholarships in his name. Within just a few days, the campaigns have raised tens of thousands of dollars, showing how much love and respect people had for Ben.
His parents, Mark and Lisa Christman, released a brief statement thanking the public for their support. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness. Ben was our world, and while our hearts are shattered, knowing how many lives he touched brings us comfort.”
The family has also encouraged people to donate to charities supporting heart health research, as they await more details about what led to Ben’s passing.
The Road Ahead: Ensuring Athlete Safety
Beyond mourning Christman’s passing, the tragedy has renewed calls for improving medical evaluations for student-athletes.
Many former college players have spoken out about the physical toll that football takes on the body and the need for better monitoring of heart-related conditions. Experts have pointed out that sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes, though rare, remains a major concern. Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), myocarditis, and arrhythmias can often go undetected without specialized screenings.
The NCAA and several major conferences are now being urged to implement mandatory cardiac screenings, particularly for linemen, who are at higher risk due to their body size and high-intensity training. Christman’s case could become a turning point in how schools approach player health, potentially leading to new protocols aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
UNLV’s athletic department has already announced a comprehensive review of their health and safety procedures, with the possibility of requiring additional heart screenings for all athletes. Other programs are expected to follow suit.
Remembering Ben Christman
As the days pass, the pain of losing Ben Christman remains fresh, but so does his legacy. He was more than just a football player—he was a son, a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to those around him.
The sports world will continue to grieve this immense loss, but through the scholarships, tributes, and changes in player safety policies, Christman’s name will live on.
His story is a reminder to cherish every moment, support one another, and ensure that the well-being of athletes remains a priority. Though he may no longer be physically present, the impact Ben Christman left on his teammates, coaches, and the broader football community will never fade.