“LL4.” Usually, the FCS doesn’t get much spotlight. It’s like that quiet cousin at the family reunion—there, but not always talked about. But 2024? That year flipped the script. One team didn’t just show up—they showed out, and suddenly, we had to pay attention. You see, this one school, Missouri State, was crushing the numbers. The best part? They got their shot at moving up to FBS as well. “We are extremely excited to welcome Missouri State University as the 12th member of Conference USA,” was something Commissioner Judy MacLeod had announced. Everything was going great—until tragedy struck a few days back. You see, from the Missouri State games we followed, one guy from the defense continued to stand out.

Todric McGee. Amazing kid with almost perfect talent to be a solid safety in the big league. Unfortunately, many avid football fans and McGee’s family and friends won’t get a chance to watch this guy perform at the highest level. “I am heartbroken to have to share this, but Todric McGee passed away last night! Please keep his mother Stephanie and sister Tahlia in your thoughts and prayers as well as the many family and friends he had. He was an amazing young man with a heart of gold! RIP Todric!” Todric’s former school, Northwest, shared on X.

Two days ago, when news broke about McGee being admitted, it left us stunned. It was hard to wrap our heads around how someone who, not long ago, was being celebrated as the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week, was now fighting for his life.

Things spiraled out of control so fast. A tragic accident—still under investigation—left McGee critically injured, and he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency care. Wyatt Wheeler had dropped an update on X, stating, “I’ve made contact with Missouri State safety Todric McGee’s high school coach at Wichita Northwest, who said Todric is in emergency surgery.”

We were all hoping for a miracle, but sadly, that update never came. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as friends and fans continue pouring their love and support on X.

Long live No.4

“Prayers to the family and the NW community. The Miege football community is praying for you during this difficult time,” one fan wrote on X. A game-high 11 tackles and  3 stops. He was the miracle that helped Missouri State hold back the Montana Grizzlies. This single game changed the tide for him, earning him the Defensive Player of the Week title. Man, we wish we could’ve seen him play in this showdown.

Another fan wrote, “Absolute travesty.” Truly. This kid had offers from Army and the Air Force. Imagine the talent we would’ve seen on the gridiron…

One thing we loved was watching coaches from other schools rally their support for McGee as well. Coach Kurt Webster from Shawnee Mission Northwest High wrote, “I’m so sorry for your loss. SMNW is sending prayers.”

It is so unfortunate that we lost such a talented soul. Fly high, No.4.