Jordan spent an entire fall inspiring his teammates and fans of both the Princeton football team and the rest of the Ivy League. Clearly, though, his story of perseverance reached far beyond the Ancient Eight. The running back was a two-time All-Ivy selection and made a triumphant return to the field after a grueling battle with the rare blood disorder aplastic anemia.

Jordan learned of his illness following a sprained ankle suffered during the second game of the 2009 season. After several months of treatment, Culbreath returned to the for his senior year.

His courage and determination inspired his teammates, and he was named the team’s co-captain during his final year with the Tigers. Culbreath was also an inspiration to the Rare Disease Community, reaching out to other players, families and complete strangers who were touched by his story. Jordan will have to take medication and receive treatments to monitor his rare blood disorder the rest of his life.