In Calvin's Honor
This page is dedicated to honoring the memory of Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old who tragically passed away following the first day of his college football conditioning camp due to complications from exertional rhabdomyolysis and a sickle cell trait crisis based on independent autopsy findings. CJ discovered he carried the sickle cell trait during NCAA-mandated screenings which was reported to the university prior to reporting to camp. Our mission is to share his story and raise awareness about vital athlete safety issues, including NCAA protocols for managing sickle cell traits and preventing heat-related emergencies.
Click the links below to learn more about the NCAA and CDC Sickle Cell Trait Guidelines
NOW FEATURED Hear CJ’s Story
“100% Preventable”: The Death of Bucknell Football Player Calvin Dickey Jr.
Campus Files: Scandals, Secrets & Crimes at American Universities (Audacy) · Season 5, Episode 5 · 31 min · Released April 8, 2026
“What was supposed to be a light workout during football orientation ended in tragedy. Calvin Dickey, a freshman with sickle cell trait, collapsed and died days later. His parents say Bucknell failed to follow basic safety protocols and then withheld what really happened.”
“Know a coach, parent, or athletic director? Share this episode — it could save a life.”
Honoring CJ by Carrying His Light Forward
2nd Annual 50 Cal Big Man Camp — June 7, 2026
The 50 Cal Big Man Camp was a success. We had about 50 linemen come out again this year. The staff at Trench Academy were amazing from the elite coaches to the founders, Coach Taylor and his chief operating Officer, Kay the day exceeded all of our expectations. This was not just a camp it was village effort with parents kicking in to help and CJs friends and high school coaches coming through on the brotherhood circle. They shared their experiences with the college recruitment process, how to stay healthy and the real deal on being a collegiate athlete. We were also honored that the CJ Dickey 2026 Memorial Scholar, Chase Fulk was able to join us. BONUS Special guest appearance by Bucs newly sign 6-foot-10, 313-pound offensive tackle Paul Rubelt! Thank you to everyone who helped us make this camp possible! In Calvin’s Honor!
Family of CJ Dickey to Move Forward with Legal Action A Call for Truth and Accountability The family of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. has made the decision to move forward with litigation against Bucknell University. This decision follows months of unanswered requests for full transparency about what led to CJ’s death on July 12, 2024 and the university’s handling of that tragic day. Despite submitting his full medical history, including confirmation of his sickle cell trait, CJ was subjected to an extreme workout on his first day of training. He collapsed and later died from complications tied to exertional rhabdomyolysis and multiple organ failure. To this day, Bucknell has not released a full, detailed account of what occurred, nor have they provided the family with findings from their internal investigation. "Update In April 2025, the Dickey family filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania state court. Their attorneys elected to dismiss that case without prejudice and refile in federal court. In November 2025, a civil lawsuit was filed in federal court. That case is active and ongoing.” This legal action marks a crucial step in the family's ongoing pursuit of truth, accountability, and change — not just for CJ, but for the safety of all student-athletes.
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