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    • Keenan Pili thanks Tennessee football fans in letter after injury
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    Keenan Pili thanks Tennessee football fans in letter after injury

    Eira Gwyneth Posted on

    Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili released a heartfelt statement of gratitude Wednesday following his season-ending injury.

    Pili, UT’s team captain and leading tackler, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the Vols’ 23-17 overtime win against Florida.

    Coaches and teammates were distraught, especially because Pili suffered a season-ending triceps injury in the first game of 2023.

    The BYU transfer is a 26-year-old and is in his seventh year. He had already taken a medical redshirt in two previous seasons. He and his wife are expecting their first child in February, but Pili is now beginning a long rehabilitation process.

    No. 10 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) plays No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1) at Neyland Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

    Here is Keenan Pili’s statement to Tennessee players and fans

    On Wednesday, Pili posted the message “BEAT BAMA” along with the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:

    vancient nation,

    Thank you to my brothers, coaches and staff for helping me become a better man on and off the field. Let’s finish what we started!

    Thank you to my family, my wife and my little boy for sacrificing so that I can live my dream. I hope I made you proud.

    Thank you Tennessee, friends and fans for treating me like family and giving me a place to always call home. You felt your love and support during this time.

    As far as football is concerned, I don’t know what the future holds, but thank you for a lifetime of memories that I will cherish and never forget.

    As hard and confusing as life can be, I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to play this game and I trust in His plan.

    Same book, new chapter. — Keenan Pili, 11, VFL

    Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. e-mail [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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    Eira Gwyneth
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