Alabama freshman QB Keelon Russell surprises mom with new car

It may not be Mother’s Day, but it is still the month of May and he wanted to do something special.

Avid supporters of college football get a sour taste in their mouths when the conversation of name, image, and likeness or NIL starts. They believe the new landscape of the game is spoiling the athletes and removing the drive to work hard away from them. NIL was meant to educate athletes and have them benefit from their likeness, but it was also meant to help enhance those who have rightfully helped these athletes become successful. For Keelon Russell, his parents — especially his mom — mean everything to him. They watched him grow from a high school phenomenon at Duncanville (Texas) High School to a five-star quarterback at Alabama.

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After winning state titles in high school and being the Elite 11 Most Valuable Player, Russell is competing with Ty Simpson and Austin Mack for the starting quarterback spot for the Crimson Tide in the fall. His mother, April Moore, is exceptionally of the athlete, but more so the young man she raised. She’s watched every part of his life and know that he himself is the blessing.

Russell, who’s NIL value is worth $1.7 million via a report from On3 in February, decided to lavish a brand-new car on the No. 1 woman in his life. He shared a photo to his Instagram with the caption: “Blessed to make her happy.” Moore is in the photo standing next to a new white Mercedes-Benz with a red bow on it. She gets to see her son ball out in style and she’s ready.

Russell had a good spring for the Tide and is working on fine-tuning things for fall camp.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and writer for The Bama Standard. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.