Tigers dedicate win to Memphis after tragedy

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield was thrilled with his team’s 37-13 win over Navy on Saturday, but he also reflected on how it came following a harrowing week for the city.

On Monday, 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher was found dead after a fourday search following her being kidnapped while jogging Sept. 2 near the University of Memphis. Fletcher’s funeral was Saturday.

Two days after Fletcher’s body was discovered, 19-year-old Ezekiel Kelly was arrested after going on a shooting spree that left four dead, three injured and the city briefly under lockdown.

Silverfield’s first words postgame on

CBS Sports Network referenced both tragedies, which drew national attention.

“First and foremost, let me give our thoughts and prayers to the city of Memphis. It’s been a hard week,” Silverfield said while pausing to gather his emotions. “Hopefully we can be a little bit of a shining light during this hard week that we’ve gone through. But we’re a great city, the 901 will keep fighting.”

Senior defensive back Quindell Johnson, who had 13 tackles and an interception, added to that by acknowledging the city “took some real toll this week.” But for three hours, he hoped the Tigers gave Memphis something to enjoy to take their minds off the tragic events.

“This win was for 901. And I just want everybody to know that and just give everybody something to smile about these next four home games. We want all the support, we’ll get all the support,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that being in Memphis for five years, he knows the city has been through a lot. According to police, Memphis had a record 346 homicides in 2021 — including rapper Young Dolph — and it follows 332 homicides occurring in 2020.

But Johnson and Silverfield wanted to encourage Memphis to keep its spirits up after the Tigers’ first win of the season..

“I know that we’ll be strong and our people, the 901, will be steadfast and will continue to make great improvements in our wonderful community. This was for them,” Silverfield said.