As you have no doubt heard by now, Oklahoma starting middle linebacker Austin Box tragically passed away earlier today.
Suffice to say, Box’s way-too-young death has hit extremely hard on several fronts, from the OU football program to its fan base to, most of all, his family and friends.
With head coach Bob Stoops unavailable due to a trip overseas, defensive coordinator Brent Venables was given the unenviable task of speaking to the media and addressing the passing of one of his players. Visibly shaken and understandably emotional, Venables spoke eloquently and passionately about both the 22-year-old’s passing and what he meant to his teammates and coaches.
“We’ve lost a great teammate, a great friend in Austin Box. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to get that call. We’re numb, heartbroken. ... He was a joy to coach. Everybody on our team loved him. He’ll be greatly missed.”
We’d highly recommend viewing the entire six-minute-plus clip of Venables honoring the memory of Box, which can be viewed by clicking HERE. And, if you do decide to view it, we’d highly recommend having a Kleenex or two within easy reach.