Ben Conken, a talented football player who signed to play for the University of West Florida before facing a battle with cancer, died Monday, Aug. 17. He was 20 years old.
Conken was part of West Florida’s 2024 recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker came out of Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama, where he was a standout athlete.
West Florida Athletics said Conken continued supporting the football program even after he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after joining the team. The school said he will always be remembered as part of the Argonaut family, per Fox 10.
During his senior football season, Conken recorded 85 tackles and 10 sacks while forcing five fumbles, according to the New York Post. His success helped him earn the opportunity to continue his football career with the West Florida Argonauts.
According to his obituary, Conken loved sports from a young age. He played baseball, basketball and football at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, but football was his favorite. He dreamed of playing college football and eventually earned a scholarship as a defensive outside linebacker at West Florida.
According to FOX 10, Cottage Hill Christian Academy head football coach Carvel Jones said Conken will be remembered most for the difference he made in people’s lives away from football.
“He was a high character guy, great family, hard worker. He was a dawg on the football field but he was a great person off the field. We love the Conken family and he’s going to be truly missed. I’ll never forget Ben’s smile as he walked into the room, what’s up Coach, and we just shared those moments on and off the field,” Jones said.
Conken was also known for his love of the outdoors. He spent many mornings hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather. His adventures included hunting elk in Wyoming and fishing off the coast of Costa Rica.
His obituary described him as a competitive athlete who also valued kindness, fairness and good sportsmanship. One of his favorite sayings was “get up and do something,” reflecting his belief in working hard and taking action instead of watching life pass by.
That attitude continued during his health struggles. Conken developed a strong appreciation for the healthcare workers, volunteers and others who helped care for him. He also spent time helping others through Camp Smile, where he made an impact on campers and counselors.
His Christian faith was another major part of his life. His family said faith, family and friends remained important to him through his final days.
Conken died surrounded by loved ones, according to his obituary.
He is survived by his parents, Christopher and Christine Conken; his siblings, Will and Molly Conken; and his grandparents, David and Judy Conken, Christie Nelson, and Vernon and Trudy Jones.
His grandfather, Richard L. Nelson Jr., died before him.
Conken is remembered as a gifted athlete and outdoorsman who worked hard, cared deeply about others and remained devoted to his family and faith throughout his life.
