Roll Tide Roll: Texas, LSU and Colorado Buffaloes Offered Keelon Russell Big NIL Deal But He Remained Loyal to Alabama Crimson Tides…
In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping college football recruiting, Keelon Russell, a five-star quarterback from Duncanville High School in Texas, has made headlines for prioritizing loyalty and long-term vision over immediate financial gain. Despite receiving substantial NIL offers from prominent programs like Texas, LSU, and Colorado, Russell remained steadfast in his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Russell’s journey to Alabama was marked by early recognition from the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff. He recalled, “Alabama came to one of my worst practices as a quarterback. I was off that day. And for them to still give me a chance to be their quarterback and saw something in me, I was like, ‘Man, this is crazy.’” This early belief played a significant role in his decision to stay committed to Alabama.
The allure of significant NIL deals from other programs tested Russell’s commitment. He acknowledged, “They threw some numbers. I mean, I can’t really talk about that. I know it’s big. Just know that it’s big.” However, he emphasized the importance of long-term success over short-term financial incentives, stating, “If you get paid $1 million and then go stink it up in college, no booster is going to want to pay to see you play. You might get benched and your career is over.”
Russell’s commitment to Alabama also reflects his trust in the program’s development system. Under the guidance of head coach Kalen DeBoer, known for developing quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., Russell sees a pathway to both collegiate success and a future professional career. He expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to refine his skills and prepare him for the next level.
