Selma High honors fallen football player Jordan Lamar on Senior Night

J4. Jordan Lamar. It’s Selma High’s homecoming football game which always includes the king and queen and their court, recognition of auxiliaries and recognition of senior football players—Senior Night. 

Except one beloved football player who would be graduating this year with his teammates is missing. Jordan Lamar died on Dec. 21, 2021, in a gun accident when he was just a freshman.

At Senior Night, each of the 12 senior football players’ names was called—#2 Javaris Marks, #3 Kendarious White, #8 Tyrone Sheppard, Jr., #9 Tristan Wall, #10 Jarius Barnes, #13 Ja’Quarious Bradley, #19 Zakai Edwards, #35 Jonijah Rivers, #40 Adrian Hardy, Jr., #51 Jamarion Rush, #55 Marquavion Well, #58 Ryan Woods. But there’s a 13th.

“We would like for everyone to please stand. In loving memory on tonight, we dedicate this game to player No. 48,” the announcer says. She calls his name - “Jordan Lamar.” Loud clapping and cheering commences across the bleachers as his family steps forward carrying a life size freestanding carved image of Jordan in his football gear. The number 48 on his chest. “The son of Andre and Myeshia Lamar. He was a member of the football and baseball team. Jordan was loved by many. His smile would light up any room. And we honor him tonight. Once upon a saint, forever with Jordan. #48. Senior. Jordan Lamar.” The announcer concluded. 

Jordan’s mother took to social media with a heartfelt thank you. This is her post:

More from this section

Migrants brace for hostile climate after Chile's election

Golf's Bryan Bros on 'wild' ride from Internet to facing major champs

US appeals court says Trump can deploy soldiers in Portland

“What a weekend! Selma High Homecoming/ Senior Night was very special to me and my family!! We miss Jordan so much and wish he was here to experience it! Our VILLAGE showed up and showed out for my boy! Jordan always was a special kid and always had a special relationship with everyone he came in contact with! Thank you Selma High School for allowing us to be a part of Senior Night this meant so much to us. And to everyone that came to support us…thank you! Shout out to everyone that contributed in a special way to make this a success! The Lamar Tailgate was lit. Good food, vibes and love!! I love you all! Jordan we miss you and love you! Our PoohPooh, Our J4. You are still a shining star son! Until we meet again. Y’all continue to keep us lifted in prayer! It’s still so very hard.”

While Saints football took a tough loss in this game against Shelby County, losing 43-6 it was very apparent that they are keeping Jordan’s memory alive. A true win. A kid said it best, “It’s a great day to be a Saint.”

An impressive number of current students and SHS alumni wore jerseys with his name on it and his actual signature in the corner. 

His mother told the Selma Sun:

“His death touched so many because he was loved by the community, his coaches and his friends and family. He had just made it to Selma High in August and was no longer with us on Dec. 21, 2021. He was a linebacker on the football team, and his first love was baseball. He played for Selma High when he was still a seventh grader in middle school though. First base and pitcher. His best game in football was played against Woodlawn from Birmingham. His starting teammate was injured and the coach pulled Jordan in. He played so well and it’s the game I talk about on social media. His teammates are now like family to us. They introduced me to J4. That’s his name and his political district where we lived. One of his favorite teammate’s grandmother, you, was Councilwoman of Ward 4, so they led the way in how they would like to represent their fallen classmate. After hearing the reason behind their affectionate nickname for Jordan, I smiled.”