Former Syracuse Quarterback Rex Culpepper Dead at 28

The son of Survivor stars Brad and Monica Culpepper passed away unexpectedly.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Rex Culpepper, a former quarterback for the Syracuse University football team and the son of reality TV stars Brad and Monica Culpepper, has died at the age of 28. His fiancée Savanna Morgan announced his passing on Instagram, though the cause of death has not been confirmed.

Why it matters

Culpepper's death is a tragic loss for the Syracuse community, where he was known for his perseverance in playing through a testicular cancer diagnosis. As the son of well-known Survivor contestants Brad and Monica Culpepper, his passing is also being mourned by fans of the reality TV show.

The details

Culpepper played in 24 games during his college career, completing 139 passes and throwing for 11 touchdowns. In 2018, he suited up for Syracuse's spring game just a month after going public with his testicular cancer diagnosis, leading his team down the field for a touchdown in a memorable moment. By that June, he was declared cancer-free.

  • Rex Culpepper died on March 16, 2026.
  • In February 2026, Culpepper and his girlfriend Savanna Morgan announced their engagement via Instagram.
  • In 2018, Culpepper played in Syracuse's spring game just a month after revealing his testicular cancer diagnosis.

The players

Rex Culpepper

A former quarterback for the Syracuse University football team and the son of reality TV stars Brad and Monica Culpepper.

Savanna Morgan

Culpepper's fiancée, who announced his passing on Instagram.

Brad Culpepper

Rex Culpepper's father, who appeared on the reality TV show Survivor alongside his wife Monica.

Monica Culpepper

Rex Culpepper's mother, who appeared on the reality TV show Survivor alongside her husband Brad.

Kielan Whitner

Culpepper's friend and former teammate, who paid tribute to him on Instagram.

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What they’re saying

“No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting. Rex didn't always believe in soulmates but towards the end he told me that he didn't realize what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other.”

— Savanna Morgan, Culpepper's fiancée

“Rex, I'm going to miss you, brother. You were more than a friend to me. You were truly my brother, and someone I respected deeply. I am forever grateful for our friendship.”

— Kielan Whitner, Culpepper's friend and former teammate

The takeaway

Culpepper's passing is a tragic loss for the Syracuse community and his loved ones, including his famous Survivor star parents. His perseverance in playing through a cancer diagnosis and his close relationships with teammates and his fiancée highlight the impact he had in his short life.