A closer look at Keelon Russell’s debut for Alabama football
Freshman quarterback Keelon Russell couldn’t have asked for a better debut. In Alabama’s commanding 73–0 victory over Louisiana–Monroe (ULM), Russell stepped onto the field late in the fourth quarter and immediately made his presence felt.
First Snap, First Touchdown
On his very first drive, Russell wasted no time. He delivered a precise 18-yard strike to wide receiver Cole Adams, recording his first career touchdown pass in NCAA football. It was the perfect introduction to Crimson Tide fans, who erupted as the true freshman etched his name into the scorebook.
Calm, Confident, and Clinical
Russell followed that with another highlight play, facing a third-and-five situation in the red zone. With poise beyond his years, he threaded the needle to MJ Chirgwin for his second touchdown pass of the game. The throw displayed not only accuracy but also the composure of a quarterback who looked far from a rookie.
By the Numbers
In limited action, Russell put up an efficient stat line:
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4 completions on 6 attempts
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65 passing yards
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2 touchdowns
Perhaps even more impressive, Saturday marked the first time in program history that all three Alabama quarterbacks — Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell — each threw a touchdown pass in the same game.
A Historic Night for the Tide
The 73–0 shutout wasn’t just a rebound after last week’s disappointment — it was Alabama’s largest margin of victory since 1951. And in the middle of it all was a true freshman who turned his first college snaps into a moment that will be remembered for years.
What Comes Next
It may have been a small sample size, but Russell’s debut has Crimson Tide fans buzzing. His confidence, precision, and natural playmaking ability suggest that Alabama has found another gem at quarterback. If Saturday night was any indication, the future of Alabama football looks bright — and Keelon Russell is ready to be part of it.
The Heartbreaking Journey of Washington Commanders Rookie Before His NFL Breakthrough
In the 2025 NFL season, Ja'Corey Brooks, a rookie for the Washington Commanders, stood as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. His journey to the NFL had been far from easy, filled with personal loss and hardship, but it was his determination and love for football that pus
Ja'Corey was raised in a tough neighborhood in Miami, Florida. His family struggled financially, but his father, a former high school football player, always emphasized the importance of sports as a way to create a better future. Ja'Corey was his father’s pride, and they shared a bond over the game of football. His father would often take him to practice, teaching him the fundamentals and pushing him to always give his best. Football wasn’t just a sport to Ja'Corey; it was a way to escape the harsh realities of life.
However, tragedy struck when Ja'Corey was just 13. His father, who had been his mentor and hero, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. The loss hit Ja'Corey like a ton of bricks. He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. His father had been the driving force behind his love for the game, and now, with his sudden death, Ja'Corey felt adrift and lost. He struggled to understand how to move forward without the one person who had always been there for him.
In the years that followed, Ja'Corey became distant and withdrawn. He fell into a state of anger and confusion, unsure of how to cope with the grief. He played football in high school, but his heart wasn’t fully in it. It wasn’t until his junior year, after seeing how much his father’s death had affected him, that Ja'Corey made a promise to himself: he would honor his father’s memory by playing football with the same passion his father had taught him. Football would be his way to heal, to prove to himself and others that he could overcome his pain.
Ja'Corey worked tirelessly in the offseason, improving his game, pushing himself past his limits. By his senior year, he had become one of the top wide receivers in the country. His performance on the field earned him a scholarship to play for a prestigious college program. His dream was becoming a reality, but just as he thought he was on the right track, he faced another challenge. During his sophomore year in college, Ja'Corey suffered a torn ACL, once again throwing his NFL aspirations into doubt.
The road to recovery was long and grueling. There were times when Ja'Corey wasn’t sure if he would ever return to the field. But he remembered the promise he had made to his father. With a relentless drive, he rehabilitated his knee and made a successful return to the field. Ja'Corey’s comeback was nothing short of remarkable. His performance during his final season was impressive, and his dedication earned him a spot in the 2025 NFL Draft.
When the Washington Commanders selected Ja'Corey Brooks, it was the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience. Ja'Corey was more than just a talented rookie; he was a testament to the power of perseverance. Every time he stepped onto the field, he was playing not only for himself but for the memory of his father, who had been the one to ignite his passion for the game.
Ja'Corey Brooks’s story is one of loss, strength, and triumph. His journey to the NFL had been filled with heartbreaking challenges, but it also showed that with hard work, determination, and the will to keep going, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.
