ISU football player Mitchell Myers was nominated for the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, an award given out to players who show courage on or off the field, on Wednesday. 

Myers has been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma since he was diagnosed in February. 

Myers went to every workout during chemotherapy treatments in the spring, but has since gone home to Houston, Texas, to start radiation treatments. 

After Iowa State’s season-opening victory against Northern Iowa on Sept. 5, the Cyclones presented Myers with the game ball.

“He’s in the middle of his fight,” Rhoads said. “Fun honor for me to be able to do that to him, for him, and I promise you, there wasn’t a teammate in that locker room that didn’t understand and know that he deserved it.”

Teammates have also taken to Myers’ fight. 

Receiver Allen Lazard has dealt with a shoulder injury all season, but whenever asked about his health, Lazard responds by contextualizing the injury with the bigger picture. 

“Mitch is battling for his life,” Lazard said. “So I think I’ll be fine.” 

Myers had 30 tackles last season and was only one of four Cyclones to play in all 12 games. 

The winner of the courage award will be announced during the festivities of the week of the Orange Bowl.