By Brenda June Temple

FURMAN ATHLETICS ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

2/7/2024

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman football player Bryce Stanfield suffered a medical emergency while attending an early Wednesday morning workout in Paladin Stadium and is now hospitalized, head coach Clay Hendrix announced today.

“The thoughts and prayers of Furman’s entire football program and university community are with Bryce and his family at this time,” said Hendrix.

Stanfield, a junior defensive tackle, three-year letterman, and health sciences major from Acworth, Ga., saw action in all 13 games this past fall, totaling 13 tackles, including four tackles for-loss and 2.5 sacks, in the Paladins’ 10-3, Southern Conference championship campaign.

2 9 2024

FURMAN MOURNS THE PASSING OF FOOTBALL’S BRYCE STANFIELD, September 19, 2002-February 9, 2024

WAS CONFERRED HIS FURMAN DEGREE EARLIER TODAY

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman football student-athlete Bryce Stanfield passed away today after suffering a medical emergency while attending an early Wednesday morning workout in Paladin Stadium.  He was 21 years old.

“We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield, and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead,” said Furman head coach Clay Hendrix.

“There are so many more who are really hurting — namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends, and the entire Furman community and beyond,” Hendrix added  “Bryce was an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player, and friend.  He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community. In every sense he was the best representative we could have.  His passing is one of the most difficult things Furman football has ever encountered, but our faith and so many wonderful memories Bryce provided us will help sustain us all in the days ahead.”

Stanfield, from Acworth, Ga., was conferred his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences, magna cum laude, by Furman President Dr. Elizabeth Davis in Friday morning ceremonies surrounded by family and Paladin football teammates and coaches.

“Our Furman Family is heartbroken by Bryce’s passing, and we share our deepest condolences with family, friends, and teammates,” said Jason Donnelly, Furman Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Bryce was a beautiful soul, a loving son, loyal friend, tremendous teammate and great student. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from our entire community. Bryce will be dearly missed but will be remembered in our hearts forever.”

A defensive tackle and three-year letterman for the Paladins, he saw action in all 13 games this past fall, totaling 13 tackles, including four tackles for-loss and 2.5 sacks, in the Paladins’ 10-3, Southern Conference championship campaign.

He played in eight games as a true freshman in 2021 and was credited with 19 tackles, including three sacks, on the way to earning SoCon All-Freshman Team honors.  As a sophomore in 2022 he appeared in all 13 games, working at both defensive end and defensive tackle in Furman’s 10-3, FCS playoff season that saw him total 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

In addition to his football contribution, he served in Furman’s Heller Service Corps Men of Distinction and was an active participant in visiting patients at Greenville Children’s Hospital and in reading to children in local schools.

Stanfield was two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll selection and was recently named to both the 2023 SoCon Fall All-Academic Team and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District squad.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced later.

COURTESY FURMAN ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS