Travis O'Neel

Travis O'Neel (1978–2015) was the captain of the University of North Dakota's 2001 national championship football team. He led the national title team in tackles and was a two-time Academic All-NCC selection. Head coach Bubba Schweigert described O'Neel as "one of our all-time greats." In 1999, Travis was named to the Sophomore All-America Team by USA Football.

After graduation from University of North Dakota, O'Neel began teaching in various parts of the world. He worked at the Lincoln School in Costa Rica, Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok, Thailand, and International School Manila in The Philippines.

O'Neel died in a motorbike accident on June 19, 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. In the accident, O'Neel suffered two broken shins, a broken femur, a broken hip, a broken arm and a significant head injury to both his skull and brain. He left behind a wife and two young sons. U.S. Geological Survey glaciologist Shad O'Neel is Travis O'Neel's brother.

In a newscast, FOX9 News in Minneapolis claimed The University of North Dakota planned to create a Travis O'Neel Scholarship Fund to honor his life.