LSU’s Brian Kelly Pays Funeral Costs for Texas Flood Victims, Urges Tigers Nation to Help Amid Unimaginable Tragedy

In a gesture that has deeply moved both the sports world and grieving families across the region, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly has stepped far beyond the realm of football. In response to the catastrophic flash floods that tore through central Texas this past Sunday, Kelly has announced that he will personally cover all funeral expenses and offer financial compensation to the families of victims affected by the disaster.

The unprecedented floods, triggered by relentless, unexpected rainfall, have left central Texas communities devastated, with entire neighborhoods submerged, homes destroyed, and lives shattered in an instant. Authorities confirmed nearly 80 fatalities, including 28 children, while the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue. Emergency crews are still combing through the wreckage, holding onto hope even as the reality grows grimmer by the hour.

Amid the heartbreak, Brian Kelly has stepped in not only with his wallet, but also with his voice — calling on the LSU community and Tigers fans nationwide to rise to the occasion in solidarity with the people of Texas.

“This is not about football. This is about human lives,” Kelly said in an emotional statement released late Sunday evening. “When tragedy hits, we don’t sit on the sidelines. We stand up. We show up. We help. I’ve seen the images, I’ve spoken with some of the families — and I can’t unsee that pain. LSU stands with Texas tonight, tomorrow, and for however long it takes.”

Kelly’s decision comes at a time when Texas is reeling from the most destructive flooding the region has seen in decades. Entire towns like Killeen, Temple, and Belton saw torrential downpours give way to sudden surges of water that overwhelmed dams and drainage systems. Within hours, roads were transformed into rivers. Schools, hospitals, churches — many were reduced to rubble or rendered inaccessible.

And it’s the children — those lost, those displaced, those surviving with trauma — who have haunted Kelly the most.

“I’m a coach, but more importantly, I’m a father,” Kelly shared. “You don’t prepare for this kind of loss. You don’t explain it to a mother who’s lost her baby. What we can do is make sure those families don’t carry this weight alone.”

To that end, Kelly’s financial commitment includes full coverage of all funeral and memorial service costs for every identified victim of the flooding. Additionally, families will receive immediate compensation to help cover relocation, food, medical expenses, and housing as needed — a move coordinated with local authorities and nonprofits already on the ground.

But Kelly is not stopping there. He has launched an open call to action directed squarely at LSU’s vast fanbase, student body, alumni network, and the broader Southeastern Conference community.

“This is a moment for Tigers fans to show what family really means,” Kelly said in a recorded video posted to LSU Football’s social media platforms. “We’ve seen what a championship spirit can do on the field — now it’s time to take that same fire and apply it where it counts. Whether it’s five dollars or five thousand, every bit helps.”

The video has since gone viral, garnering millions of views and prompting hundreds of LSU athletes, former players, coaches, and fans to mobilize donation efforts of their own. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a heartfelt message, writing, “We stand with you, Texas. Prayers up, help on the way.” Former Tigers stars like Joe Burrow and Patrick Queen shared the video with messages of support, with Queen pledging $25,000 to the cause.

LSU has also partnered with the Red Cross and the Texas Emergency Relief Coalition to streamline donations and ensure that all support reaches the people who need it most. The initiative is being branded under the campaign title: “Tigers for Texas.”

Meanwhile, teams of LSU volunteers — including athletic department staff and student organizations — are coordinating supply drives and preparing to send shipments of water, blankets, clothing, and essential supplies to affected communities. The university has offered its Baton Rouge facilities to host displaced Texas college students if needed.

Texas officials have responded with both gratitude and disbelief at the scale of support coming from LSU’s camp.

“For a coach from another state to take this kind of initiative, to lead like this, it brings us to tears,” said Travis County Emergency Manager Candace Wilkins. “Brian Kelly is more than a coach right now — he’s a hero to people who have lost everything.”

As of Monday afternoon, the official death toll still remains unconfirmed. Authorities expect that more bodies will be found in the days to come as floodwaters continue to recede. Search-and-rescue teams from across the region, including FEMA, are working around the clock with canine units, boats, and helicopters.

Dozens of children remain missing. Thousands more are now without homes. And for many, recovery will take not days or weeks, but years.

But for every tear, there is also testimony — of survival, of courage, and now, of solidarity from unexpected places. A 9-year-old boy named Elijah, who was rescued from the roof of a submerged mobile home, shared through tears that he had lost both parents and his younger sister. When told that LSU would be helping his family with funeral costs and housing, he whispered, “Thank you, Coach.”

For Brian Kelly, such moments reinforce why stepping in was never a question.

“Football’s taught me a lot. Strategy. Discipline. Unity. But this — this is life. This is where we show what being a Tiger really means,” Kelly said.

As families continue to grieve, LSU’s support is offering a rare glimmer of hope. Donations through the “Tigers for Texas” initiative have already surpassed $1.2 million in less than 24 hours. That number is expected to climb, with planned fundraisers and community events in both Louisiana and Texas in the coming days.

“This tragedy belongs to all of us now,” Kelly concluded. “We’ll rebuild. Together.”

Anyone looking to contribute can do so via LSU’s official donation portal or by texting “TIGERSFORTEXAS” to 90999.

In the face of devastation, the LSU Tigers have proven that strength lies not only in trophies and touchdowns — but in compassion, action, and the kind of leadership that honors the human spirit.