Former SXU Football Player Dies

CHICAGO, IL - A.J. Nichols, a former football player at Saint Xavier University and Mount Carmel High School, died unexpectedly last week. He was 27.

Nichols, a native of south suburban Tinley Park, was the kicker and punter for the SXU football team when it won its lone NAIA national championship in 2011. He graduated from the Mount Greenwood school in 2012 with a degree in criminal justice.

"AJ's unexpected passing creates a hole in the heart of every one of his teammates, coaches and fellow SXU football alums," said Mike Feminis, head football coach at Saint Xavier University. "AJ was a valuable member of our 2011 national championship team.”

Feminis said he will “always remember” Nichols performance in the clutch, including a moment from 2008 when as a freshman he nailed a last-second, game-winning field goal against a nationally ranked Ohio Dominican University team on the road.

The longtime SXU coach remembers Nichols even more fondly as a “son, brother, teammate and friend” to many.

A.J. was the son of Allen and Constance Nichols and the brother of Jen and Tommy.

Services have been held at Lawn Funeral Home in Tinley Park.

“The SXU Cougar Football nation will never forget AJ,” Feminis said.

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