Bryant Museum Unveils New Sculpture

Bryant Museum Unveils New Sculpture

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Bryant Museum has installed a new sculpture, honoring the late Kevin Turner, in the “Tide Through Time” exhibit. The piece, titled “Open Field,” was created by David Grieco and donated by Halo and Arrow Zappa.

“I created the sculpture of Kevin Turner as a loving memorial in art to my close friend and former teammate,” said David Grieco, artist and former University of Alabama running back. “I loved football, but my heart was calling me to follow this passion in sculpting. Kevin provided huge encouragement to me in my decision to end my football career in order to follow my dream of being an artist.”

Turner, a fullback from Prattville, played for the Crimson Tide from 1988-91 before being drafted in to the NFL. He spent eight seasons with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles before retiring after the 1999 season.

During his time at Alabama, he averaged 4.7 yards per carry and also caught 95 passes, including 48 as a sophomore for a Crimson Tide team that shared in the SEC championship.

Turner was diagnosed with ALS in 2010, and he later became involved in research and support through the foundation he started. In 2012, he was the subject of the documentary “American Man.”

After a long battle with the neurodegenerative disease, Turner died in 2016.

“I know what it is like when you break all the tackles and the only thing ahead of you is the end zone, the freedom and the power that you feel is truly like nothing else. I wanted Kevin to have that moment forever,” said Greico. “Thank you, Kevin, I will always be running for the end zone.”

To see this sculpture and more, visit the Bryant Museum on The University of Alabama campus. The Bryant Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Check for special hours on home game days. For more information, call toll free 1-866-772-BEAR (2327) or visit on the web at bryantmuseum.com.

Contact

Kevin Lake, communication specialist, College of Continuing Studies, 205/348-4632, ktlake@ccs.ua.edu or UA media relations, 205/348-5320