STEADFAST AND UNMOVABLE: Alabama Honors Kerry Goode with a Tribute Bigger Than Football
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — On September 12, the Bryant Museum will host an unforgettable and deeply emotional moment in Alabama Crimson Tide history: the unveiling of “Steadfast and Unmovable,” a powerful original portrait honoring former Alabama running back Kerry Goode. Painted by renowned faith-based artist Steve R. Skipper, this tribute will be much more than art — it will be a spiritual, cultural, and Crimson celebration of resilience, faith, and legacy.
Timed during the highly anticipated Alabama vs. Wisconsin weekend, this event serves not only to remember a great football player, but to recognize a man whose journey has inspired countless lives both on and off the field.
More Than a Running Back — A Legacy of Purpose
Kerry Goode’s name is etched in Alabama football history. As a dynamic running back in the early 1980s, his speed, power, and character captured the hearts of Crimson Tide fans. But what came after football defined him even more.
After being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Goode faced an unimaginable challenge. Yet rather than shrink in the face of adversity, he became a beacon of strength. He launched the Goode Foundation, advocated for ALS awareness, and brought courage and inspiration to families battling the disease across the country. In every stadium, every church, and every speaking engagement, Goode carried a message louder than any roar from Bryant-Denny: Faith wins. Purpose never dies.
That’s what this portrait captures. Skipper, known for his powerful gospel-infused artwork, said the painting was created under the guidance of Jesus Christ. The result? A piece that reflects not just Kerry’s athleticism, but the spiritual fire within him — a fire born in Town Creek, Alabama, now felt around the world.
“This is not just a painting,” one event organizer said. “It’s a living testimony. It’s Kerry’s story — one of grace under pressure, strength in the face of weakness, and a reminder that power is often made perfect in our lowest moments.”
A Spiritual and Cultural Homecoming
For Alabama football fans, this unveiling is deeply personal. Crimson Tide nation has followed Kerry’s journey — from standout freshman under coach Ray Perkins to his emotional fight with ALS decades later. Now, the university and its fanbase have a chance to give back.
The Bryant Museum, known for preserving the soul of Alabama football, is the perfect venue. This unveiling won’t just reflect football history — it will showcase Alabama’s heart. Nick Saban’s dynasty, Bear Bryant’s legacy, and now Kerry Goode’s resilience — all flowing through the same sacred halls.
And it comes at a perfect time.
With Alabama football in transition following Nick Saban’s retirement, this moment reminds the world what truly defines the Crimson Tide — not just wins and titles, but integrity, toughness, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
The Artist Behind the Masterpiece
Steve R. Skipper, the man behind “Steadfast and Unmovable,” is no stranger to immortalizing icons through art. His previous works have captured figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, and other civil rights legends. But this portrait of Kerry Goode might be his most personal.
Skipper has often spoken about the spiritual dimension of his work — how God uses his brush to tell stories that words cannot. In this case, the story is about a man whose muscles were weakened by disease, but whose spirit never broke.
A Moment You Don’t Want to Miss
The unveiling of “Steadfast and Unmovable” will take place on Thursday, September 12, just two days before Alabama’s clash with Wisconsin. For fans, former players, and supporters of Kerry Goode’s mission, it’s an event that promises to move hearts and rekindle faith.
“Kerry Goode isn’t just a football legend,” said one longtime fan. “He’s a symbol of what it means to never give up — to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith.”
In a world obsessed with records and rings, this portrait reminds us of something deeper: that real greatness isn’t just about how you play the game — it’s about how you live after it.
