HBCU Football

Southern safeties coach leans on his faith, family after pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Sean Wallace says widespread support has lifted his spirits during treatment

ESPN’s 2024 V Week runs through Dec. 15. During the fundraiser for cancer research, Andscape is republishing articles and telling new stories about early detection, research and survivorship in the Black community. The V Foundation for Cancer Research awards grants through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which honors Scott’s legacy by supporting scientists who are addressing racial disparities in cancer outcomes and providing opportunities to researchers from diverse backgrounds. ESPN and the V Foundation are proud to support this fund in Stuart’s honor. Donate at v.org/stuart.


Sean Wallace, a Southern University and A&M College alum and safeties coach for the Jaguars, is the epitome of “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up” speech delivered by coach Jim Valvano during the 1993 ESPYs, which ultimately became the motto for the V Foundation.

Wallace spoke with Rhoden Fellow Sydney Cuillier, a student at Southern, about being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, coaching the Division I program while undergoing treatment, being inspired to launch the Wallace Foundation, and the meaning of the #SeanStrong hashtag.

Videographer: Garrett Edgerson of Southern University and A&M College

Sydney Cuillier is a senior mass communications and broadcast journalism major from Houston. Cuillier reports and writes about developing sports stories for the Office of Student Media. In 2023, she created “Sydney’s on the Clock,” a sports talk show centered around teams in Louisiana.