Representing Something Bigger Than Himself
Jordan Beasley
Representation matters. Selflessness matters. Standing in the gap matters.
If you’re a Boise State fan and are active on social media, chances are you’ve come across a post on X by Jeramiah Dickey, the university’s director of athletics. An insightful and engaging follow, Dickey unapologetically shares his thoughts and perspective on many topics.
As the unquestioned leader and governor of the athletics department, Dickey consistently shares an appropriate message that serves as a great reminder. If you scroll through his tweets on X, he frequently types the words, “We represent something bigger than ourselves.” In fact, he’s tweeted those exact words multiple times in the last week alone.
Front Porch of Idaho ?? We represent something bigger than ourselves ???? Grateful for you, Bronco Nation! #BleedBlue https://t.co/GAWY0a7qdj
— Jeramiah Dickey (@JeramiahDickey) September 18, 2026
What exactly does that sentence mean? In layman’s terms, it means that our actions, behaviors and choices carry weight and have impact. It means that we are a direct reflection of our family, friends, support system and employer, to name a few.
Those words, and that sentiment, are familiar to all who are associated with Boise State Athletics, including student-athletes. If you don’t believe it, let's introduce you to Roman Caywood, an EDGE player on Boise State’s football team. He’s very familiar with Dickey’s words, and he embodies the true essence of what they mean.
Wreaking havoc on the football field, and a business administration major in the classroom, it would be very easy for Caywood to focus on himself and give his time and energy to things that directly impact him and his future—his grades and his play, most notably. Aware of the six words Dickey often types, and understanding the gravity and the weight they hold, Caywood heeded and internalized those words.
“As a student-athlete, we come here for school and athletics,” Caywood said. “Through that, we have a platform that we’ve been blessed with. It’s our duty to use that platform and shine light on people and situations.”
So, what is that something he represents, you ask? Well, that something is someone, and that someone is named Hudson Whatcott.
September, like most months, highlights and spreads awareness for many worthy causes and campaigns. Among them is the recognition of childhood cancer awareness, which includes leukemia, a form of cancer that most commonly affects young people. It’s estimated that 3,500 to 4,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with leukemia each year in the United States.
Cancer, regardless of the type, has impacted each of us on some level, whether it’s personal or through a friend or loved one. In this case, cancer has deeply affected the Whatcott family, who Caywood considers to be an extension of his own.
“The Whatcott family is my family,” said Caywood. “My dad grew up with Mr. Whatcott. They went to high school together and played ball together. I’m so thankful for the parents God has blessed me with, but Mr. and Mrs. Whatcott, along with Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, are second parents, and I know I can go to them at any time with anything and they’ll help me just as if my parents would.”
The oldest of 13 children between the three families, Caywood is the big brother of the group, a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly. Being the elder statesman amongst the children in the trio of families is a privilege and something Caywood carries with pride as he navigates everyday life. Caywood affectionately refers to the group as his little brothers and sisters, and vows to be the example while being willing to do anything and everything for his younger siblings.
For some, that comes with limitations, but for Caywood, it’s a testament to his character and how much it means to him. Keeping true to his promise, Caywood has been the quintessential big brother to all his siblings, including Hudson, who has greatly benefitted from his presence and support during his battle.
The exact date was Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. What started as a normal day for Caywood ended with shocking news that ultimately impacted Hudson and the Whatcott family, both immediate and extended.
In the midst of playing video games with Ayden, one of the children from the Dunn family, Caywood was notified that Hudson was currently in the hospital and was being evaluated for severe pain he was experiencing in his hip. After being checked out and sent home twice, Hudson’s pain persisted and even intensified. At that point, Nick Whatcott, Hudson’s dad, demanded answers, and once he did, the root of the problem was unearthed.
“On Friday morning (Feb. 27), Hudson woke up feeling better to some degree,” Nick said. “His hip wasn't hurting as badly, but it was still sore. He had these weird dots and bruises on his legs, so we instantly became a little concerned about that. We went back to the ER on Friday evening, and I basically told them I'm not leaving until a thorough blood exam is completed. After hours of waiting in the ER, doctors returned and revealed that tests didn’t look good with what his blood was doing and what it looked like, so they sent us to [Intermountain Health] Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. From there, they did more testing, and within about two days, they finally diagnosed Hudson with leukemia.”
For those with children, there’s a consistent sentiment that there’s nothing worse than receiving somber news and a sobering reality as it relates to your child. Masking and managing your own emotions while being present and supportive is no small task. However, that was the situation that stood before Mr. and Mrs. Whatcott. Unfortunately, Hudson’s impending battle with cancer wasn’t their first.
“Our son, Nixon, was previously diagnosed with cancer,” Nick said. “He had osteosarcoma, and he battled it for 18 months before passing away. Receiving the news that your second kid has cancer, which you never would think in a million years, was devastating. There's an emotional battle that happens after you lose a child which never goes away. It took me years to get over Nixon’s passing, and here we are again. Hudson’s diagnosis was devastating news, and it rocked us.”
With Hudson’s diagnosis confirmed, the Whatcott family had the full and unwavering support of the Caywood and Dunn families. Hard times and tough circumstances can be isolating and difficult to manage, but often, support serves as a necessary lifeline and life preserver.
Leaning on one another, like they have so many times in the past, the Caywood, Dunn and Whatcott families were dedicated to joining Hudson’s fight. They did it for two primary reasons. No. 1, because of the love they have for one another, and No. 2, because of how beloved Hudson is.
“I love Hudson to death,” Caywood said. “He’s always been a great kid, and that hasn’t changed, even in his fight. The Whatcott family has gone through so much, including losing two kids. Seeing Hudson battle while still being the person that God has created him to be while shining light in other people’s lives is amazing.”
Since Hudson’s diagnosis, a strong bond between the kids has become stronger. A text chain that featured frequent communication has been used every day since March 1. A weekly video chat via Facebook Messenger that includes all 13 children has become a weekly priority. And a selfless act in support of Hudson has strengthened the relationship beyond belief.
During one of the weekly calls via video chat, a benevolent idea was born, and everyone was on board. In an act of solidarity, those on the call decided to shave their heads as Hudson started losing his hair.
“We cut it as a group,” said Caywood. “It was on a Monday in mid-to-late April when “Huddy” started losing his hair. When he received his diagnosis, we talked and we knew we were going to do it because we all did it to support Nixon. We were going to support Hudson just the same. We got on Facebook Messenger in April, and that was one of the highlights of my life. It was truly an unforgettable moment. We were laughing, and it felt normal as if we were all together again. It’s amazing the love we have for each other, and it was great to show it with that act.”
Cutting your hair is a big deal for some, and even though Caywood had a full head of hair, he didn’t think twice. Not only did he cut it to stand with Hudson, but he’s made the decision to keep his hair buzzed until Hudson beats his battle with leukemia.
To take it a step further, Caywood has Hudson and Nixon with him every time he takes the field, whether it’s a practice or a game. As a source of strength, he has their names written on his hands, and he even has a pair of cleats with the name “Huddy” proudly on display. A powerful and meaningful gesture reminds Caywood of how blessed he is and how thankful he is to have known Nixon while currently having Hudson in his life.
“It’s an easy way for me to remind myself of how blessed I am and the strength that the people in my life have,” said Caywood. “As a college athlete, days can get hard, and days can be a lot. Waking up in the morning can be difficult, but being able to look down in between every play and read their names reminds me that I am so blessed and thankful to play the sport that I love and that I comparatively have no problems. When times get tough, and as I watch him battle, it feels like I have their strength in my hands.”
Thoughtful gestures matter but follow-through is what eases the burden and carries the weight. During his seven-month journey, Roman has made Hudson feel loved and supported, which has helped him significantly. We’ve all been teenagers before, and we know firsthand how important those bonds and friendships are.
There’s no denying how much Caywood loves Hudson. He checks on him, shows up for him, cheers him on, pushes him to keep fighting, and he’s even accompanied Hudson to a chemo appointment. That’s the essence of a bond, and that’s the essence of standing in the gap and representing something bigger than yourself.
“Roman has committed himself to checking on Hudson, seeing how he's doing, and stopping by to visit,” Nick said. “That’s an important and key piece to healing and making sure that Hudson feels like he has somebody behind him. Roman has been there, and I love him.”
With Boise State three games into their 2026 season, the goal is for Hudson and the Whatcott family to make a trip to the Treasure Valley and experience a game on The Blue. There are currently plans in place to make this happen, and once youth football concludes, there’s optimism that it will.
It’s hard to watch your child battle cancer, but the good news is Hudson is in great spirits. He’s responding well to treatment, and he has a positive mindset, which is all his parents and vast support system can ask for.
The Whatcott family is not alone, and they fully understand there are others who are navigating something similar. It’s a long and arduous road and supporting each other is what has kept them afloat.
“It's a long battle,” Nick said. “Support each other and support your kids. Be there, love them, support them, and be an advocate for them.”
As for Caywood, he’s not shy in professing how much the Whatcott family means to him. They truly are an extension of his own.
“The Whatcott family is such a blessing in our lives, and anyone who knows them will say the same thing,” Caywood said. “With what they’ve dealt with and gone through, they are the most loving, compassionate and supportive people on the planet. I’ve told Mr. Whatcott that he is such an example in my life after seeing how he leads his family with the hand he’s been dealt. That’s what sticks out most to me, and those are characteristics I aspire to have one day.”
Such heartfelt words from a mature young man, and it’s no surprise that the feeling is mutual.
“Who he is, the way he conducts himself, his hard work and determination, his spirituality, his work ethic on and off the field, and how he treats people is second-to-none,” Nick said. “He's a phenomenal human. Not only is he an amazing athlete, but more importantly, he's an incredible young man and incredible human being. I think the world of him, and I am so proud of him.”
Nick Whatcott thinks the world of Roman Caywood and is so proud of him, and in turn, Roman Caywood thinks the world of Hudson Whatcott and is so proud of him. The love is cyclical and the bond is unbreakable, and that’s enough to keep fighting.
Keep shining your light, “Huddy,” but most importantly, don’t stop fighting.
