Less than a year removed from a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Nikhil Webb Walker is back in Boulder—and back on the field.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound junior, who was diagnosed with lymphoma midway through the 2024 season, officially rejoined the team for summer workouts this week. Webb Walker participated in Thursday’s strength and conditioning session at the IPF, a powerful moment shared via Thee Pregame Show.
“It feels good, man,” Webb Walker said during the video segment. “The altitude gets me a little bit, but we’re going to be back straight soon.”
His presence isn’t just a feel-good headline. It’s a defining moment for a Colorado team that rallied around him and now welcomes him back as both a contributor and a symbol of resilience.
Webb Walker appeared in five games last season before alerting the training staff about a bump on his chest that ultimately led to his lymphoma diagnosis. He shared the news with teammates in an emotional team meeting, later captured on video by Well Off Media.
“Even though it’s tough and I never thought this would happen to me, it’s just the Lord’s way and it’s His plan,” Webb Walker told his teammates at the time.
Head coach Deion Sanders made it clear the team wasn’t just supporting Webb Walker from afar. He was—and still is—part of this team’s heartbeat.
“You’re a blessing,” Sanders said in the same meeting. “What you’re dealing with is real, and the way you’ve dealt with it has been admirable. We love you. We appreciate you. We’re here for you.”
The Jamaican-born defender began his college career at New Mexico State, where he started four games in 2023 and posted 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He transferred to Colorado last January with three years of eligibility remaining and was expected to factor into the defensive end rotation in 2024.
Despite limited snaps last fall—mainly on special teams through five games—Webb Walker managed to contribute on the field before his season was cut short. He logged defensive snaps in the Buffs win over UCF and played on 28 field goal/PAT attempts.
His road back included months of chemotherapy treatment, culminating in a final round this past March in Boston. During his recovery, Webb Walker remained a visible and vocal presence, including traveling to San Antonio to support the team at the Alamo Bowl.
Now, with summer workouts underway and fall camp on the horizon, he returns to a defensive unit that led the Big 12 in sacks last season. Colorado's defensive end room is already deep, headlined by Arden Walker, Quency Wiggins, Samuel Okunlola, and others.
It’s unclear how quickly he’ll be back in full game shape, but make no mistake: this is a meaningful addition to Robert Livingston's defense. And more importantly, it’s a moment that resonates far beyond football.
Webb Walker’s journey reminds us that this sport is also about people. About the battles fought off the field. And about the kind of strength that doesn’t show up on film.
This return is one to celebrate. Whether Webb Walker’s impact comes in the box score or simply by being in the building, he’s already made a statement that his resilience echoes loud in the building.
—
Want more stories like this? Follow us on X for all things Colorado football and Basketball.