Long time UK fan Eleanor Kelly hit hard by passing of Warren Bryant

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Warren Bryant was a three-time all-American and all-conference player at UK but also became an adopted son for Eleanor Kelly. (UK Athletics Photo)

The recent passing of former Kentucky All-American offensive lineman hit long-time fan Eleanor Kelly, age 84, particularly hard. She had known Bryant since he was 17 years old and a Kentucky freshman playing for coach Fran Curci.

“I helped start a program where the boys that came in (to play football) had (family) sponsors,” said Kelly. “Fran gave me Warren. He was his No. 1 player.

“Warren was as homesick as he could be but he became like an adopted son in 1973. He was a pallbearer at my husband’s funeral two years ago.”

She will attend Bryant’s funeral Oct. 23rd in Atlanta. She’s going with former UK player Lester Boyd.

“My husband died two years ago from lung cancer but I knew it was coming. Warren’s death hit me like nothing ever has,” she said. “I have an album with pictures of him with my grandchildren. I adored and loved that man.

“I called him on the 7th (of October). I had a party for Curci’s Cats (players were in town for the UK-LSU game) and about 130 people came. Fran was there. Warren was scared of the virus but said, ‘Mom I will come up in March.’ He was so worried about that virus. Sonny Collins didn’t come, either, for the same reason.”

Kelly continued as a player sponsor after Bryant graduated in 1977 until the NCAA put a stop to the program in the early 1980’s. Her church, Calvary Baptist Church, took in new UK students and mentored them so working with the football team was a labor of love for her.

“I was a big football fan. I remember Bear (Bryant) and all his players,” she said. “I am kind of a basketball fan but I am a football fan at heart and always have been.”

She’s still not sure why the sponsorship program had to be stopped by the NCAA.

“I had no money to give him. I cooked for him and other players and gave him cookies,” she said. “I am so proud of the man that Warren became and the great memories he gave me.

“He was such a strong Christian man. I know how much he loved Jesus. I know he is in heaven with my husband now and I know he will be waiting on me when I get there but I miss him so much already.

3 Responses

  1. Great article Larry V. What a dear lady, and a strong Christian. Good to hear about her deep love for a UK great, and her labor of love for so many. Indeed her love for our dear Saviour, Jesus Christ. This one brought a lump to my throat and a couple of wet eyes. Warren Bryant is in a far better place now for sure. Thank you Eleanor for your devotion to what was a wonderful program. May the good Lord bless and keep you until all the redeemed meet at Jesus feet.

    1. Such a wonderful article !
      Mom K has and always will be our most valuable asset to the athletes who came and left the University of Kentucky football program.
      Her legacy will live on in the state of Kentucky and well deserved.
      I love you Mom Kelly.
      Thank you for always being there for me.💙🤗 SonnyC

      1. Thank you for your comments Sonny. I know she thinks the world of you and told you if not for Warren you never would have set that rushing record….

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