Broken Ankles End Nixon’s Cajun Career, Kidd’s Season

No coach ever wants to talk about season-ending injuries. Unfortunately, Mark Hudspeth had to break two hearts, due to two broken ankles.

Senior quarterback Jalen Nixon and sophomore defensive lineman LaDarrius Kidd suffered broken ankles against New Mexico State, effectively ending both of their seasons. After Kidd recovers, he can come back and play more football for the Ragin' Cajuns. Nixon's fortune is much worse, and far more devastating to a player who loves the program.

Coach Hud loves Nixon's devotion and heart, making this announcement painful for everyone involved.

"It breaks my heart to let you know that Jalen Nixon played his last game as a Ragin' Cajun," Hud said somberly, but he still has hopes of keeping Nixon around the program. "I'm hoping one day he can coach for me."

Nixon did whatever the coaching staff asked of him. When it was his time to play quarterback, he stepped up and led the team. When Anthony Jennings transferred to UL, he started playing special teams and embraced his role as the backup. His massive personality made everybody around him happier, which is why his teammates always looked to him, in good times and bad.

If you see Jalen around town, shake his hand and tell him thank you. He did more for the Ragin' Cajuns program than most people realize, and I have a story to describe the type of person he is.

When the Ragin' Cajuns went to Youngsville to help the flood victims, Nixon walked around the devastated neighborhood cheering people up. He posed for pictures, told jokes, visited with whoever waved him over and brought countless smiles to faces that were recently covered with tears. That's just the type of guy Jalen is, which is why he will overcome this injury and do great things.

Nixon might be done playing football, but remember, he will always be a Ragin' Cajun.