As a former Utes defensive end faces death, he shares his story of living life to the fullest

SALT LAKE CITY — In 1977, Mike Kinsella played defensive end for the University of Utah. His nickname was "snake."

"Because I was so skinny but I was really good, and they couldn't figure out how I was able to make all the tackles and sacks, and they figured 'He must be like a snake, because he slithers around all the offensive linemen,'" Kinsella said.

Today, Kinsella is trying to get around his third bout of cancer.

"I don't fear death. All I can say is that I — if I fear anything, it's the process of getting to death, I guess," he said. "I just hope I'm not suffering long."

Kinsella shares his story of living life and facing death, and how he hopes his story could help someone else going through a similar experience. Watch his story in the video above.

Check out more Beyond The Game videos, including one about how 18-year-old Jane Hedengren is redefining the sport of running, or how Jay and Sara Hill's commitment to each other has helped them through life's complications, among many more.

You can also check out our new series Beyond Business, where we highlight the stories of the people behind some of your favorites businesses in the state of Utah.

Related topics