Caden’s Legacy
A Legacy Written In Lives Touched
Caden decided on his sixteenth birthday that he wanted to be an organ donor.
Doctors, nurses, staff members, family and friends stood reverently in the hallways as the transfer from hospital room to the donor recovery center down the block takes place. It happened the day after we received the worst news imaginable and our grief was palpable.
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On August 28, 2024, the community gathered for a powerful worship night in Selma. Just a week earlier, Caden had shared with his youth pastor that he prayed for revival in his hometown.
That evening, his prayer began to take shape as people came together in worship, united in faith and hope. The night served as both a tribute to Caden’s heart and a reminder that his legacy continues to spark renewal in Selma.
With two churches full to capacity, it was one of the largest funerals and processions Selma has seen in quite some time.
Walking Into a New Season
Morgan Academy began a new football season carrying both determination and the weight of last year’s loss. Memories of Caden’s laughter and kindness remain strong, even as the pain of his absence lingers.
Through it all, the community leans on faith, grace, and the support of friends near and far. The Tellier family asks for continued prayers and understanding as they walk through more firsts without him.
First annual Caden Tellier courage and leadership award given to Patrick Johnson.
Bibles were donated and passed out to his teammates with “Live Like Caden Live like Jesus” inscribed on the front.
Caden was named player of the week on 8/23/24.
WSFA Sports presents inaugural Caden Tellier Leadership Award
The Caden Tellier Foundation
The Caden Tellier Foundation creates intentional opportunities for student athletes in underserved areas of the state of Alabama to develop and showcase skills in football and baseball and to inspire those student athletes to work hard, live with integrity, and be dedicated to their sport by
- Hosting annual football and baseball camps, showcases and/or tournaments to provide opportunity for student athletes to develop and showcase leadership and technical skills.
- Hosting an annual football banquet for all the football teams of Dallas County to promote the importance of celebrating diversity and unity in breaking bread together.
- Hosting an annual night of worship to witness to the life changing power of Jesus Christ as the source of all good gifts and to empower those in attendance to be good stewards of their individual gifts such as leadership, athletic talent, excellent sportsmanship, etc
A Night Selma Will Never Forget
The first Caden Tellier Foundation High School Football Kickoff Outreach united players from five rival schools for a night of fellowship, faith, and brotherhood. Former coach Jayme Barkdoll shared a message of courage and unity, and many students chose to follow Christ. In a powerful moment, players locked arms across team lines — a living picture of the revival Caden longed to see in Selma.
The Unforgotten
ESPN published a feature story titled The Unforgotten, highlighting Caden Tellier’s life and legacy. The article not only recounted his final game and the movement that followed, but also connected his story to a larger national conversation about faith, memory, and the role of football in young lives.
For the Tellier family and the Selma community, the piece was a reminder that Caden’s impact reaches far beyond Alabama. His story continues to inspire readers across the country to live with courage, kindness, and faith — to truly Live Like Caden.
Caden's Family were invited to visit his beloved Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. Josh Allen and the Bills sent a signed Jersey shortly after hearing of his passing.
Alabama parents who lost son after football injury reflect on gift from Josh Allen.