Upcoming football prospect Caden Tellier passed away following a critical brain injury after being tackled in the third quarter of a football game in August. The star quarterback and beloved student passed away that Saturday after he collapsed while walking to the sidelines, which led to the ambulance retrieving him.
While families remain in awe of their children’s sports skills, other families are faced with the sadness of losing a family member to these violent practices. The tragic story of the young star remains a symbol and reminder of the dangers our favorite activities to watch may bring. Our athletes endure intense physical conditions, the most common injuries being direct muscle or tendon injuries. Caden was known as “a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy,” said Bryan Oliver, the school’s headmaster.
Caden, a football quarterback for Morgan Academy, ended up injured during the third quarter of his opening high school football game. The 16-year-old suffered a brain injury during this game, which ultimately led to his death. He was airlifted to the UAB hospital in Birmingham.
The Black Belt News Network reported that Caden collapsed on the sidelines, which led to him being transported to Birmingham. Caden was in his junior year and was also a member of the school’s baseball team. Officials paused the game while Tellier was being treated before his team won the game 30-22 as he was being transported to the hospital.
His family hasn’t yet responded or provided any comments to the media as Caden’s story spreads worldwide. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research reported 16 deaths of football players in 2023. Three of these were traumatic brain injuries, all occurring during games. “Our goals this year are to get better every day,” says Jacob Webb, the athletic director of Morgan Academy. Caden Tellier’s case continues to contribute to reports for the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research and inform the world about athletes’ challenges.