Cowboys Analyst and Ex-QB Babe Laufenberg's Son Luke Passes Away After Long Battle With Cancer
By Sean Facey
Tragedy has struck the family of a former NFL quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys analyst and four-year NFL quarterback Babe Laufenberg's son Luke, a football player in his own right, passed away on Thursday after a long and brave battle with cancer.
Today we lost a son, a brother, a friend, and a warrior. Have never seen a person battle like Luke Laufenberg, but he lost his fight with cancer. He was truly inspirational. The hole in our hearts will never be filled. You are my hero. RIP my sweet Luke. See you on the other side pic.twitter.com/HF1xfw19Xi
— Babe Laufenberg (@BabeLaufenberg) August 22, 2019
The son of the CBS Sports analyst was first diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia back in 2017, just days after the final game of football season at Mesa Community College, where Luke was playing. Formerly, he'd been a walk-on at Texas A&M.
This turn of events is especially heartbreaking considering the journey that both Luke and his family have been on since he was first diagnosed. At one point in May of 2018, he was declared cancer free, and was preparing to play football at UTEP.
Why are we smiling on a day when Jason Witten retires? Because this tight end was pronounced cancer free today! I can say I have never been more proud of anything in my life than the way @LukeLaufenberg battled his ass off. He has shown me what it means to compete. pic.twitter.com/q67FeaatKR
— Babe Laufenberg (@BabeLaufenberg) May 4, 2018
In fact, Laufenberg spent the entirety of his spring camp with the team.
UTEP’s Luke Laufenberg died this morning following his battle with cancer, according to his family.
— Patrick Chalvire (@PatrickKFOX14) August 22, 2019
Luke was with that Miners during the spring before cancer forced him to take a break from the game he loved.
He was just 21 years old. #KFOX14Sports pic.twitter.com/pYAu2y3j1A
Tragically, the disease returned, and with significant strength, but Laufenberg and his family were right by Luke's side every step of the way, caring for him and cheering him on as he courageously fought against it.
The fight he put up served as an inspiration not only to his family, but to the football community as a whole. At a Thursday press conference, Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett gave a touching tribute to Luke instead of fielding questions.
Jason Garrett gives an emotional tribute to Luke Laufenberg at his daily news conference. pic.twitter.com/7JiIyGPEo7
— Damon R. Marx (@DamonMarxDMN) August 22, 2019
Luke held a special place in the football community in Dallas, and his brave battle against cancer and the courage he showed will never be forgotten by those who knew him.