Remembering the Alabama high school football player who died after a game injury

SELMA, Alabama (AP) — An Alabama high school football player who died as a result of a serious injury sustained during a game was honored at a memorial service Monday as a dedicated and talented athlete who accomplished much in his 16 years.

Morgan Academy quarterback Caden Tellier died Saturday after being injured during the school's Friday night game against Southern Academy in Selma. Tellier, a 16-year-old junior, suffered a brain injury, the Alabama Independent School Association said in a statement.

Students, parents and teachers, wearing the school colors of maroon and gold, gathered for a memorial and prayer service in the gymnasium of the small private school. Members of his family sat in the front row of the memorial service.

“We have received an outpouring of compassion and love from everyone in this room and from people across the country,” Jamie Tellier, the teenager's father, told the congregation gathered in the gymnasium.

“I could tell you a lot about who my son was and is,” said Tellier. “My son was an exceptional athlete. But what he loved to talk about most was Jesus.”

He told the school's football players that he would continue to be there because “Caden doesn't want me to stop doing things.”

“Caden was only here for 16 years. But my son accomplished so much. He accomplished so much. He loved,” Tellier said through tears.

Tellier, the second oldest of nine cousins, always went out of his way to play with the youngest in the group, even when his peers were around, said his grandmother, whom he called Mimi. Before he died, Caden taught his 4-year-old cousin how to throw a baseball, she said.

“We could call him and say, 'Can you come and help us?' and he was there,” said his grandmother, Dale Dobbs. He never accepted money or allowance for the work he did for the family, she added.

Flowers, balloons with Tellier's jersey number 17 and notes were placed in the student parking lot in front of the school in memory of Tellier. “Miss U Buddy” was scrawled in chalk next to a heart.

Tackle football can cause brain-damaging injuries at the professional, collegiate and youth levels. Parents and families must weigh the risks against the rewards and benefits.

Tellier's parents said in a social media post announcing their son's death that he would save lives by donating his organs. Morgan Academy Principal Bryan Oliver confirmed to al.com that Tellier was an organ donor.

“Everyone who knew Caden experienced kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he gives of himself once again. His life touched lives, and now through his passing, lives will be saved,” his parents wrote in a social media post announcing his death.

The school is canceling all sports activities for the coming week, including the football game scheduled for this Friday at Wilcox Academy.

“The story is not about an injury on the field, it’s about us loving Caden and him loving the Lord,” Oliver said.