Episode 113 Troy Conquest Former College Football Player, Marine, Lupus Conqueror

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast.

Today’s episode is deeply personal.

I’m joined by one of my former teammates, brothers, and lifelong friends from the University of Maine football program — a man whose life story defines resilience, faith, and the true meaning of strength.

From battling through brutal preseason camps in Orono…

to serving our country as a United States Marine…

to playing professional football overseas…

Troy Conquest has never backed down from adversity.

But at just 29 years old, Troy’s life changed forever.

Diagnosed with lupus, later paralyzed from the waist down, and told he would never walk again. Troy refused to accept that ending. Instead, he chose purpose over pity, faith over fear, and resilience over resentment.

Now a 30-year lupus survivor, cancer survivor, and Paralympic gold medalist, Troy lives by one powerful mantra that was written on a hospital whiteboard years ago and tattooed on his arm ever since:

“Never say never.”

In this episode, Troy opens up about:

• Growing up and being recruited to the University of Maine

• The bonds forged through adversity and brotherhood

• Lessons learned through football, the Marines, and life

• Facing paralysis, illness, loss, and grief with unwavering faith

• Why vulnerability is strength, especially for men

• And how his transparency may save someone else’s life

This is not just a football story.

This is not just a comeback story.

This is a human story about identity, purpose, pain, and choosing to keep going when everything tells you to stop.

If you’ve ever faced adversity…

If you’ve ever questioned your strength…

If you’ve ever wondered why me…

This episode is for you.

Let’s get into it.

🎧 RU Strong — where resilience, mindset, and life after sports collide.