Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry has long been known as one of the top cornerbacks in college football, and he’s expected to be one of the first players taken at the position in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McKinstry was born on Sept. 30, 2002, in Birmingham, Ala., and went to Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Ala. As a senior, he was named Alabama’s Mr. Football and was a five-star recruit before committing to play for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.
McKinstry played three seasons at Alabama, where he was a one-time first-team All-American and twice named first-team All-SEC.
While you may know McKinstry very well as a player, here is some information on his upbringing and the origin behind his nickname.
Who Is Kool-Aid McKinstry’s Mother?
McKinstry’s mother’s name is Geneva Allen. While Kool-Aid’s actual name is Ga’Quincy, on the day Geneva gave birth to McKinstry, his grandmother, Brenda Allen, gave him the nickname Kool-Aid.
“I told his mom,” Brenda said to the Tuscaloosa News, “‘Look at this boy with this big Kool-Aid smile on his face.'”
McKinstry’s grandmother may be the reason behind his nickname, but he’s still called by his given name by his relatives from time to time.
“Never did I think that nickname would be big like it is,” Brenda said. “I didn’t expect that name would get you somewhere, or that name is going to be a household name like the Kool-Aid drink. I never thought that.
“It has to be like a moment for us to do that,” Geneva said. “We might be like, ‘Ga’Quincy!’ He has to be doing something. He is very goofy at times.”
Geneva and her mother have been major voices for McKinstry throughout his life. When he was becoming a high school football star, the Crimson Tide continued to be the one program he couldn’t look past. With a little drive from his home, McKinstry was able to make a previous dream a reality.
“I always seen Alabama play in the national championship,” McKinstry told AL.com. “I always told my mom that I wanted to be a guy that played, whatever position I was playing, I just wanted to play for Alabama in a national championship.”
While McKinstry was able to reach the national title game in his freshman year, the All-American did not win a title with Alabama in the three years he was there. Despite that, the top corner is a household name because of his continued success throughout his career.
KEEP READING: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
McKinstry’s grandmother and mother are very important in his life and have played a major influence in his becoming an NFL player, as well as his upbringing overall.
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