Michigan QB Davis Warren Making a Difference
Michigan QB Davis Warren Making a Difference
By Joey Johnston
Elite college football players are often described as "difference-makers.'' It refers to their speed, their size, their ability to take over a game at the crucial moment.
When the Michigan Wolverines (7-5)face the Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) in the Dec. 31 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, fans can witness one of the foremost difference-makers in college football. But it has little to do with what occurs on the field or what the scoreboard says.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren has become a difference-maker in life.
"You grow up and you see the stuff on College Game Day, the make-a-wish pieces and (inspirational) stuff like that,'' Warren said. "I was a huge football fan growing up and I'd always see stories like that. But you never expect that to be you, right? You never think that you could really be the kid that's in those shoes and you'd have to deal with something like that.''
In 2019, Warren heard those dreaded words.
"You have cancer.''
At age 17, Warren was diagnosed with leukemia.
"In the blink of an eye, you're going from a 6 a.m. workout where you can't even lift the warm-up weight to being in the children's hospital,'' Warren said.
Ultimately, Warren fought back and became cancer-free.
"I had a great group of doctors, great nurses, great family around me who supported me and helped me through that,'' Warren said. "I probably lost 35 or 40 pounds, almost all my hair, stuff like that. But I got really lucky that I can come out here to play the game I love and pursue my dreams at the highest level after an experience like that.
"Not every kid gets the opportunity to do that, so I count myself as super lucky and blessed. I'd say it redefined a ton of things for me. It's hard to wake up and have a bad day at this point. It reaffirms my why of why I want to do this and why I want to go out there every day and pay at a high level. Nothing can really bother me regardless of what happens.''
Now Warren uses his platform to encourage other kids with leukemia. At first, he wasn't inclined to put his story out there for inspiration. But in time, he felt an obligation to help. He encourages others to keep fighting, so they can achieve their goals through sports or other activities. Warren said he believes his own battle - as discouraging as it seemed at the time - was for a greater purpose.
He has formed a special bond with others, such as Hudson Gazsi, who was 5 when diagnosed with leukemia. Warren stayed in touch with encouragement and even attended the child's "No More Chemo'' party when the cancer journey ended.
"Hudson is an absolute stuff, a warrior, a big (Detroit) Lions fan, a big Michigan fan,'' Warren said. "Seeing the impact that had on his family, seeing his mom crying when he was ringing the bell for the last time, that was a really good moment for me. I'm just so proud of him.''
Warren said he has the proper perspective to appreciate all the great moments, such as the 13-10 win at Ohio State on Nov. 30 and the opportunity to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
He can weather the on-field adversity, which had him replaced as the starter after throwing six interceptions in the first three games, then working his way back into the lineup and enjoying a season-defining moment at Ohio State. With five-star recruit Bryce Underwood and other transfer-portal additions arriving next season, what does Warren's future hold for his final season of eligibility?
For the moment, it doesn't matter.
"I'm just focused on the moment in front of me,'' Warren said. "You know, the opportunity to (practice) every day and attack it. I'm trying to be the quarterback that this team needs and this team wants me to be. I'm very grateful and very lucky. And if I have the opportunity to help someone else, I'm going to do it.''