Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster has turned a once-controversial Auburn tattoo into a poignant tribute to his late cousin, Ladarious Phillips, who was tragically murdered last year.
Foster, a five-star recruit, originally committed to Auburn and had the school’s logo inked on his right arm. However, just before signing day, Foster made the surprise decision to flip his commitment to Alabama, drawing criticism from Auburn fans who pointed to his tattoo as a symbol of his former loyalty.
Instead of opting to have the tattoo removed, Foster chose to repurpose the ink in memory of Phillips, a former Auburn fullback. Phillips was shot and killed following an altercation near an off-campus apartment in Auburn in June. To honor his cousin’s memory, Foster added Phillips’ name to the tattoo and a shadowy figure ascending a staircase, which stretches up to his shoulder.
The design, originally a symbol of school rivalry, has evolved into something much more personal for Foster: a tribute to family. The two cousins shared a close bond growing up in Roanoke, Alabama, before Foster eventually moved to Georgia and later committed to Auburn. They had always dreamed of playing football together, but Phillips’ untimely death shattered that vision.
“I can remember like yesterday we lived by each other before we even thought about playing football,” Foster reflected. “We’re family. I’d borrow his Auburn shorts — I’m wearing them now.”
Despite the emotional weight of the tattoo, Foster remains proud of his commitment to Alabama, noting that he still sports a script “A” tattoo on his left hand and plans to get a larger Alabama logo inked on his left bicep.
Foster’s tattoo now stands as a symbol of his enduring family bond and a powerful reminder of the loss that has shaped his journey both on and off the field.
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