Ali Muhammad is not being remembered today as Rahway’s backup center, but rather the scout team’s invaluable starter at that position at every practice.
He made the team’s first-string defensive linemen better by putting his all into each snap and blocking assignment during practice drills. Ali never once complained about his lack of playing time in varsity games, though may have heard a little carping at times from the starting teammates who were forced to endure the stoic commitment he applied to the task.
“He played hard all the time. He was our opponent’s scout team center and just did whatever you asked him to do to make the team better. And he loved being a part of it,” Rahway head coach Brian Russo said.
The Indians will be remembering Ali’s dependable work rate and also his quiet, unassuming demeanor away from the field when they roll into Jersey City tonight (Friday) for a 7 p.m. game against Lincoln.
Ali Muhammad apparently died in his sleep some time Thursday morning at his home. His father, Percy Lamont Brown, found his 17-year-old son dead as he tried to wake him for school. No details have yet been announced concerning a service.
“When you hear something like this, it’s just devastating. I couldn’t imagine being in that father’s shoes right now,” Russo said. “It’s something you never think you’re going to experience.”
This is the sad continuation of a family tragedy that began when Ali’s mother died in July of 2021.
It is with great sadness, and a heavy heart, that we are sharing the unfortunate passing of Rahway Senior football player, Ali Muhamad. Our hearts go out to the family during this tough time. You will forever be in our thoughts. 💔💔💔😥😥😥 pic.twitter.com/LSSTSyheGA
— Rahway Football (@rahwayfootball) September 9, 2022
“I’m sure that took a toll on him, though you never heard him complain about anything,” Rahway offensive coordinator Mike Kuchar said. “You really didn’t hear much from him at all in the locker room. He was a quiet kid, but well-liked. I think a lot of the other kids looked out for him because they knew his situation.”
Ali, who would have turned 18 next month, was his hard-working self at Wednesday’s practice, showing no sign of injury or discomfort, according to both Russo and Kuchar. Ali was a four-year member of the football team and also played on Rahway’s JV baseball team.
“Wednesday was an offensive practice, so Ali did not get a ton of reps that day, but he was fine,” Kuchar said. “He usually gets more reps in defensive practice because he’s the scout center.”
A position that didn’t just make Ali important. Giving one’s all in that capacity is priceless.
“Those are the kids you’re relying on. Not just to prepare you for the next week’s opponent, but also to make sure there is an increase of kids that are able and have the depth you have,” Kuchar said. “If our center went down, he’s the next guy. I always told him he was one play away from playing the whole game.”
Lost a brother today. We will be playing for him, his family and everything he represented tomorrow night. @rahwayfootball pic.twitter.com/06PGtMh9Y3
— Mike Kuchar (@MikekKuchar) September 8, 2022
Ali did see limited varsity time on defense last year as a junior (Rahway was 4-5), but did not play last Friday in the Indians’ 21-20 victory over Linden. However, several defensive linemen - such as Jalen Barnes and Donea Fish - performed integral roles in the victory. They were well prepared.
“Ali went about his business and he liked playing football. He was always willing to go out there and help. And a really nice kid who was tight with a lot of the other players on the team. The guys are hurt,” Russo said.
With Friday’s game against Lincoln only one night away, Russo and his staff allowed Ali’s teammates to make the decision on whether to play or postpone. Thursday’s practice was canceled, then the squad reconvened later that evening for a traditional team dinner.
“I said to them, ‘This is bigger than football; we’ll let you decide.’ The seniors all said they wanted to go out and play,” Russo said.
“This makes you realize there are a lot of things bigger than football,” he said. “You make it a game where win or lose is life or death. It’s not. At the end of the day, It’s a football game.”
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Mike Kinney can be reached at mkinney@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeKinneyHS.