By Karah Wilson

karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— In the South, college football season is considered one of the most important times of the year. Whether you yell “War Eagle!” or “Roll Tide!” Saturdays are dedicated to watching your favorite team play. For the Richey family, Alabama football was taken to a whole new level.

Last August before school started, Richey and his friends decided to ride ATVs near Little Mountain Lakes Resort when Richey turned a curve too fast and the ATV flipped on his leg. Richey’s friends rushed to call 911 and he was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital. Bryson’s mother, Danielle Richey, noticed her son’s foot was cold. Doctors told her that her son’s blood flow was cut off during the accident, which ultimately ended in the amputation of Richey’s leg.

Richey was very involved in sports, and he and his family are huge Alabama football fans.

“Alabama football is huge in both of our families,” Danielle said. Right after the accident, Richey received a special phone call from Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Saban sent Richey a signed football, a picture, a media guide, a poster, and invited him to watch a day of practice in Tuscaloosa. On Oct. 22, the Richey family cashed in that invitation and headed down to Tuscaloosa.

During the day in Tuscaloosa, the Richeys met the coaches and the players, along with being able to see the team practice for their game against the Tennessee Vols. Richey and his family distributed “Bryson Strong” bracelets to the team, which could be seen on the wrists of Ardarius Stewart, Derrick Henry, and Adam Griffith during games.

“A lot of the player wear theirs, but it is under their tape,” Alabama head trainer Jeff Allen said.

Richey said it’s humbling to have the support of the Crimson Tide. “I think it is awesome that they think of me by wearing the bracelets,” Richey said. “I can’t wait to play football again myself.”

“Bryson is so encouraged by them. He looks up to those guys because they are living out his dream of playing football. My husband, Brian, and I have been been amazed at how people want to reach out to him and give themselves to help him.” Danielle said.

Richey has recently received videos from Derrick Henry, Dillon Lee, Jake Coker, Ryan Kelly, A’Shawn Robinson, and Coach Scott Cochran giving him words of encouragement. “I know you’re going through some stuff but you’re going to be alright. God’s got you. We’ll be praying for you,” Coach Cochran said. “We wish you the best. Thanks for being an Alabama fan,” Lee said.

The love and support from the Alabama Crimson Tide, and from friends and family, has been overwhelming for the Richey family. Danielle said, “To know that they think enough of our child to do all they have done for him is so special to us. Maybe one day he will be the first amputee to play football at Alabama!”