Navy quarterback entered Saturday’s contest against Cincinnati with a heavy heart.
Abey’s aunt on his mother’s side, Carol McCormick, died suddenly last week. McCormick had dealt with some health problems over the years, but Abey termed her death as unexpected.
“Aunt Carol was always my biggest fan since youth football. She came to all my games and really supported me,” Abey said after leading Navy to a 42-32 shootout victory over Cincinnati. “I wanted to play this game for her. She was definitely on my mind today.”
Abey was granted leave from the Naval Academy in order to attend his aunt’s funeral on Thursday.