Dr. Daniel C. Minocchi, a cherished chiropractor for the UB athletics department and former Bulls football player, passed away on Feb. 3 after a battle with cancer. He was 42. UB Athletics announced his death in an Instagram post this past Wednesday afternoon.
A native of Clarence, New York, Minocchi had strong ties to UB. He graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and nutrition before earning his doctorate in chiropractic medicine from Northeast College of Health Sciences. A four-year letterwinner on UB’s football team, he also competed in shot put for the track & field team and was a member of Mortar Board, an honor society recognizing scholarly leadership.
Minocchi’s post-graduation contributions to the university go far beyond his role as a chiropractor. His care and compassion left a positive mark on everyone who knew him. Fifth-year nickel Jalen McNair, who worked closely with Minocchi during his recovery from a season-ending injury in 2023, reflected on his impact.
“He definitely helped me,” McNair said. “He helped fix a lot of things I had going on [physically] when we didn’t even know everything.”
As a former student-athlete at UB, Minocchi’s experiences allowed him to connect with the players he worked with. His ability to relate to the athletes and build meaningful relationships made him special to the department, with McNair describing him as “what the team needed.”
When his teammates first recommended he see Dr. Minocchi for a consultation to treat his back pain, McNair admits he was initially hesitant. “You see those chiropractor videos on YouTube?”
“[Dr. Minocchi] knew I was nervous, and we joked about it. But just the way he could make you feel comfortable and safe let you know that you could trust him.”
Despite his passion and influence on the football team, Minocchi’s presence was also felt by coaches, staff, and even those working on the academic side of UB sports. His passing left a void in the hearts of those involved in student athletics.
“His death has definitely impacted not just our team, but our equipment staff, our nutrition staff,” McNair continued. “Everybody loved him. I feel like God put him in the position to be who he was.”
Before his passing, Minocchi coached Little League baseball in his hometown and ran a chiropractic practice in Williamsville.
“He was a pillar in our community and an inspirational example of how to live” reads a tribute post on the Town of Clarence Baseball Association website. “We can take solace in knowing that Dan has left an indelible legacy behind.”
“We are all better for knowing Dan.”
Rodrigo Feijão is the senior sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com
