Chris Oats, whose career was ended by a stroke, honored by Kentucky football on Senior Day

Kentucky football’s 2022 Senior Day celebration was highlighted by an emotional moment where fans at Kroger Field gave former Wildcats linebacker Chris Oats a loud ovation.

Oats, whose career was ended by a stroke in May 2020, was recognized along with the other UK seniors before the Governor’s Cup rivalry game against Louisville on what could have been his final game day as a Wildcat had he been able to continue playing.

“We all know and appreciate the support that the BBN has given Chris,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said this week after announcing Oats would be honored as part of Senior Day. “Our fan base, our university, our players care deeply about Chris and the rest of our seniors.”

Oats arrived at Kentucky as one of the crown jewels in the 2018 signing class. He was a four-star recruit from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati who picked Kentucky over Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Michigan State and Ohio State.

As a freshman, Oats played in all 13 games in 2018, totaling 27 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. He capped the season with the game-clinching fumble recovery in UK’s Citrus Bowl win over Penn State, giving the program its first 10-win season since 1977.

As a sophomore, Oats totaled 46 tackles in 12 games, making two starts. In his final game as a Wildcat, Oats totaled five tackles and two tackles for loss in the Belk Bowl win over Virginia Tech.

Since Oats’ stroke, Kentucky players and coaches have frequently pointed to him as inspiration. When linebacker DeAndre Square, a close friend of Oats, returned from an injury to play a key role in last season’s Citrus Bowl win over Iowa, he credited Oats as motivation.

“When I just wanted to be just like, ‘Yeah, I’m in pain and I want to stop,’ I thought about him,” Square said of Oats, who was on the sideline in his wheelchair for the game. “I am like, I have got to go. I have got to do this.”

Oats’ teammates launched a fundraiser to help pay for his medical care. Last summer many of the UK players served as counselors at a camp designed to support the fundraiser.

Fans can donate to the campaign at 22OatsStrong.org.

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