MADERA, Calif. – Days after learning he would miss his freshman football season because of a serious medical condition, Fresno State freshman Cooper Willoughby received an unexpected message from one of the program’s most beloved alumni: Derek Carr.
Cooper, a defensive lineman who also received offers from Nevada, Utah State, Boise State and San Jose State, was preparing to begin his collegiate career with the Bulldogs this fall when an unexpected medical emergency abruptly changed those plans.
After experiencing fevers as high as 104 degrees for three days, Cooper was taken to a local emergency department before being transferred to Valley Children’s Hospital, where doctors discovered swelling in his brain that required emergency surgery to relieve the pressure.
In the difficult days that followed, Willoughby learned he would be unable to play football this fall.
After hearing about Willoughby’s surgery and the impact it would have on his collegiate career, former Fresno State and NFL quarterback Derek Carr reached out with a personal message of encouragement.
“I know that your whole world just got flipped upside down, but keep that fire in your heart,” Carr said in the video message. “Just know that there are people thinking about you and praying for you – and know that we care about you.”
For Cooper, the gesture offered a much-needed lift during one of the most challenging periods of his young life.
“Derek! Thank you so much for everything. We’re gonna keep fighting one day at a time. Go Bulldogs!” Cooper said after receiving Carr’s message.
While his football debut has been postponed, Cooper remains focused on recovery. He recently returned home to Utah, where he will continue receiving care at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for the next several weeks.
Despite the setback, he hopes to return to Fresno State for the winter semester in 2027.
Valley Children’s staff coordinated a special surprise for Cooper, putting together a gift bag of Fresno State, Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints memorabilia, along with signed keepsakes from Carr.
Before returning home, Cooper’s family thanked the Valley Children’s teams who supported him throughout his stay.
“The staff here has been great. They’ve done more than we could ever expect and treated us with such kindness,” said Ryan Willoughby, Cooper’s father.
“Thank you so much for everything you guys have done for me,” Cooper added. “We just gotta keep pushing one day at a time.”
For a freshman athlete facing an uncertain road back to the game he loves, the gifts and words of encouragement served as a reminder that he is not facing the challenge alone.
The Latest From The Pulse
- Valley Children’s Named a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News for the 11th Straight Year
- Meet Fresno State Kid Captain Arthur
- Ground Broken on Inclusive Play Experience at Valley Children’s
- AAP Expands RSV Immunization Guidance Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season
- After 19 Years of Care, Patient Gives Back Through Charity Car Show
