Coach Brent Venables has been open about it, leaning on faith, family, and his Oklahoma players, who’ve stepped up in ways that’ll make your eyes well up. Let’s break it down with the facts, no fluff.
The Timeline: From Diagnosis to the Latest Battle
• June 2023: The Initial Blow
Julie, Brent’s wife of 27 years and mom to their four kids (Jake, Tyler—who plays safety at Clemson—Laney, and Addie), was diagnosed with breast cancer. Brent shared it publicly during the 2023 season, calling her “a fighter” in a post-game interview after a tough Sooners win. The family rallied: Julie underwent two surgeries (one in August, another in November) plus chemo. Brent’s own mom, Nancy, had passed from cancer in 2005, so this hit extra deep. “She’s got that same fire,” he said then.
• March 2024: A Glimmer of Hope
Clean scans! Julie rang the bell at the hospital, cancer-free. Brent teared up on his coach’s show, thanking the Sooner community: “The doctors, our staff, players’ parents—everyone’s been amazing.” Fans wore pink ribbons at games; it felt like victory.
• May 2024: The Return
Routine bloodwork showed elevations. Scans confirmed: Cancer was back, this time requiring aggressive chemo in New York (she commuted from Norman). Brent skipped media sessions for “personal matters” during the bye week.
• November 2024: Surgery and an Update
Julie had a third surgery to remove a tumor and lymph nodes. Brent announced it on his weekly show: “She’s doing amazing. Her spirit? Nothing short of amazing.” No major updates since, but the family’s been quiet on specifics—focusing on treatment and the 2025 season grind. As Brent put it in a Fox News interview, they’re holding “great faith” amid the storm.
By mid-2025, as Oklahoma navigated a rollercoaster SEC season (ending 8-4, with CFP buzz), Brent’s updates painted a picture of quiet endurance. Julie’s been by his side at games when she can, but chemo’s taken its toll. No dire “new” crisis in December—just the long haul that cancer demands.
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