Alabama football players wrapping arms around Keelon Russell after passing of his sister

3/31/25 MFB Spring practice Alabama Quarterback Keelon Russell (12) Photo by Kent Gidley

Alabama football players are showing unwavering love and support to Keelon Russell and his family after his sister, Kierston Russell, tragically passed away.

The freshman returned to the team a few days after Kierston’s passing and was met with open arms by his teammates, per Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

“I almost get emotional talking about that,” Grubb said while talking with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9. “A couple of days had passed after Kierston had passed, and he came back out to a walk-through and were on the field and we got done…seeing the guys interact with him and just let him know they love him and support him as just a guy. We certainly talk about person greater than player and that is being challenged right now to make sure that those things are real within the program and the culture of the locker room. Everything I have seen in the support that he has had already, you can’t give enough support for a situation like that. Keelon is a very very strong young man. His ability to handle this has been humbling to see. The guys have been there at every turn.”

Russell’s mother recently posted a message to X thanking everyone for their support for her and her family.

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