UNLV football coach Barry Odom looks up as he speaks during a memorial for player Ryan Keeler at UNLV’s Rebel Field Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Keeler died on Feb. 20. The memorial took place on the 47-yard-line to remember Keeler, who wore jersey No. 47.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 | 2 a.m.
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More than 500 people attended a vigil on Monday night to remember former UNLV football player Ryan Keeler, who died last week at age 20.
The attendees, including the entire football team, lined up along the 47-yard lines at Rebel Park on the UNLV campus. Teammates, coaches and administrators shared their memories of Keeler, a defensive lineman who wore No. 47 during his time with the program.
Keeler was described during the ceremony as a funny, quirky, hard-working young man who had a knack for lightening the mood with his teammates.
Senior defensive lineman Darius Johnson hosted Keeler on his recruiting visit last offseason and said he remembers Keeler’s "infectious" personality more than anything.
“He was always the brightest kid in the room,” Johnson said. “He was one of a kind. It’s so crazy.”
Head coach Barry Odom, who was hired in December, spoke to the crowd but did not take questions from the media. UNLV is set to open spring practice on Wednesday, and Odom is expected to address the media at that time.
The cause of Keeler’s death has not yet been released.
Johnson said UNLV has made grief counseling available to the team.
“When we first heard the news, it was kind of a numb feeling,” Johnson said. “Obviously it opens up your eyes to life in general.”
After Odom addressed the gathering, senior linebacker Elijah Shelton and senior defensive lineman Naki Fahina took the mic and delivered emotional speeches, saying they intend to dedicate the coming season — and many more after that — to Keeler’s memory.
Teammates painted Keeler as a well-rounded college student with a penchant for making people laugh. There was talk of his favorite restaurant, his enthusiasm in group chats, and his disappointment when he didn’t make an all-academic team — never mind the fact that he wasn’t eligible for that particular honor.
Fahina called Keeler “the best little brother you could ever have.”
Austin Ajiake, a former linebacker who graduated after the 2022 season, remembered long hours spent after practice huddled with Keeler, poring over game film while talking about every aspect of life.
“Ryan was one of those guys who just put a smile on your face,” Ajiake said. “From the time he got here, he had a huge impact on the entire program. You can just tell by the support here how much he meant to the entire community.”
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
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