Football player loses his life just from one tackle

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – This past Friday the Friday night lights grew dim as Alabama high school quarterback Caden Tellier got tackled in the third quarter and died of a brain injury

Tellier landed on his elbow and then hit his head violently. He was only 16 and playing for John T. Morgan Academy in Selma, Alabama.

The national story drew attention locally to athletes saying they know football is a fun sport that can also take a toll on the body. 

Zmundrae Redd is a sophomore and multi-sport athlete for Sikeston High School. He says football is the most physical sport he plays.

Redd plays the position of linebacker and running back which can be tough going up against the line which Redd believes is the most physical position in football.

“We learn how to tackle, and we make sure we keep our head up and tackle across the chest and stay fit and healthy,” he said.

Not only do these players go up against each other but they take on the heat as well in all of those pads. 

Players were on the field today when the thermostat was in triple digits. 

“Were tired pretty much I mean we have been out here all summer so we should be a little used to it but it’s been cool for the past few weeks but it’s hot and were tired.”

Delnicco Ellis is the father of Zmundra he says what happened with Caden Tellier is tragic, but he says he believes safety has improved over the years, especially from his time as an athlete.

“Back then you know I’m not going to say we were rougher than they are, but we were wilder,” said Ellis. “Also, when we would get out of school, we would go play in the neighborhood as well with no equipment.”

Ellis says the love of the game is in his heart, but his son is the most important. Ellis says he worries about his son’s safety in anything he does but he trusts the staff as he believes they take good care of the players. 

“You always got that worry you know with any sport we put him in baseball, football,” said Ellis. “We always got that worry and we do have faith in the staff. I’m sure they practice safety a lot and keep them hydrated and keep them working out. You know the physical aspect of everything.”