Alabama football fans were shocked to hear of the passing of Walt Gary. No matter how much he loved ‘Bama, they loved him more.
There are millions of Alabama football fans in the country, but none loved the Tide more than Walt Gary. Walt was a Tuscaloosa resident his whole life, and he has always been one of the Tide’s biggest fans.
Despite suffering from Down Syndrome (or Up Syndrome, as he liked to call it), he always had a smile on his face. He’s attended Alabama practices since Gene Stallings was the head coach, and it has become a tradition for him to meet with Nick Saban every Thursday to give the coach his predictions for the games.
Walt tragically passed away on Thursday in UAB’s Intensive Care Unit. Despite his passing, there is no doubt that he has left an impact on every coach and player that has come through Alabama’s program the past decade. His infectious personality and optimism made their Thursdays better because of his presence. Many have reached out after hearing of his passing.
Thursdays will never be the same.
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) June 7, 2019
Rest In Peace, Walt. pic.twitter.com/ipjxgkrnEn
Heartbroken by the passing of our good buddy Walt Gary! It was always a great joy seeing him every Thursday! Walt was a light in this world, always made you smile and was truly Alabama’s biggest fan. Praying for his sweet mother Betsy and their family! You will be missed Walt! 💔 pic.twitter.com/rNw9YtEh8d
— Christian Miller (@christianmillr) June 7, 2019
Incredibly saddened by the news of the passing of our friend Walt Gary. Nobody loved the Alabama football team more than he did. His spirit will forever live on through the program! Seeing him before every game was nothing but motivation! Love and prayers to his entire family❤️ pic.twitter.com/rSRETuL1nm
— Damien Harris (@DHx34) June 7, 2019
It is clear that Walt did a ton for the Alabama program. He wasn’t just any other fan. His optimism and happiness at all times showed the players that it is more than just a game. He taught them that they can overcome anything in their lives, just like he overcame everything in his. Reading the reactions to his passing show that he did more for them than they did for him. Going to visit the team every Thursday was certainly the highlight of his week, but he somehow did more for them on those days. Thursdays simply won’t be the same without him this season.
Honestly, Walt was more than the biggest Alabama football fan. He was a part of the team just as much as the coaches and players were. He embodies the spirit behind Alabama football, and they will not be the same now that he is gone. May he rest in peace, cheering on the Tide through thick and thin.