Long after an athlete leaves Pitt, you hope they find success whether it be in the professional leagues, or elsewhere doing something they enjoy. The last thing you want to hear is they develop health problems.

Alex Officer, former offensive lineman who started 46 consecutive games for Pitt from 2014-2017, has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his knee. Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of bone cancer, and Officer discovered it after having pain in his knee during NFL training camp.

Officer was one of the pillars of the offensive success seen in 2016 as part of arguably one of the best offensive lines in the country. Officer helped block for James Conner during his 2014 ACC Player of the Year Campaign, Qadree Ollison’s ACC Rookie of the year, and was part of Pitt’s best offense of all time in 2016.

Officer wasn’t drafted in the 2018 NFL draft, but had bounced a round a few teams for tryouts including the Raiders and the Chiefs but was waived.

Officer’s diagnosis was announced via a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. If you have some money to donate, please do so and help a Panther out. We wish Alex a speedy recovery, and hope he hears good news soon.