This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
There might not be a more beloved football player at BYU than linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the two-time All-American who returned for his senior season when he quite likely would have been a high NFL draft pick. Van Noy graduated with a degree in history and a minor in communication last month, then played in his final game last week, a 31-16 loss in the Fight Hunger Bowl to Washington. Shortly after the game, Van Noy wrote an open letter to BYU fans, administrators, coaches and teammates. Here it is: "When I first stepped onto BYU's campus as a student in 2010, I never could have imagined how quickly my four years in Provo would fly by. I waited a long time to be a Cougar, and not a day passes by without my thinking how fortunate I am for my decision to attend BYU. I have grown a great deal in the past four years. I have matured as a person. I have become a college graduate. I have developed as a football player. This growth is directly attributed to my time at, and the positive influence of, BYU. As I move on to pursue my dream of playing in the National Football League, I wanted to send out a few special thank yous: — To my family, friends and fiancee, Marissa: Thank you for your love and support. I never would have made it this far without all of you. — To my teammates and coaches: Thank you for making me a better football player. I took great pride in representing the "Y" with all of you. — To the football training staff: Thank you for working to keep my healthy and on the football field. I appreciate all your dedication, time and energy. — To the BYU athletic and sports information departments: Thank you for making me look good in the public eye! In all seriousness, I was honored to represent the university and I look forward to continue in this role as an alumnus. — To the BYU fans across the state, country and world: Thank you for your support, passion and loyalty. There are a lot of terrific things happening within the BYU football program and I am excited to cheer on our future success with all of you. It has been a remarkable four years as a BYU Cougar. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for helping me mature into the man I am today. Go Cougars. Too blessed to be stressed. Kyle Van Noy #3"