KOOL-AID McKinstry has one of the most unusual names in the NFL.
And the New Orleans Saints draft pick has embraced his catchy nickname to become one of the league’s most exciting cornerbacks.
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McKinstry’s real first name is Ga’Quincy.
But the former Alabama star got the nickname ‘Kool-Aid’ from his grandmother Brenda Allen when she noticed his big smile as a baby.
“My grandmother gave me the nickname ‘Kool-Aid’ when I was born because I came out smiling and reminded her of the Kool-Aid Man,” McKinstry told The US Sun.
“People have called me ‘Kool-Aid’ ever since and I’ve carried the nickname…with me all my life.”
His mother, Geneva, told the Tuscaloosa News: “And he uses that smile well to this day.”
McKinstry says no one calls him by his real name anymore — not even his family.
“Almost everyone calls me Kool-Aid!” he adds.
It’s a fitting nickname for the football star, who has plenty to smile about after being drafted No. 41 overall by the Saints.
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“Kool-Aid is more than just a nickname – I’m truly obsessed with the drink and have been drinking it for as long as I can remember,” he says.
During McKinstry’s freshman year at Alabama in 2021, he signed a NIL contract with the Kool-Aid brand.
And now that he’s in the pros, he’s teamed up with the company to launch a new special edition Black Cherry Blitz flavor.
“Partnering with Kool-Aid was something I always dreamed of and it’s cool to be able to work with them like this,” he adds.
During his three seasons at Alabama, he racked up 93 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions.
He was also a valuable special teams contributor as a punt returner.
I carried the nickname with me all my life
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Now McKinstry is ready to showcase his talent in the NFL with the Saints.
“I am extremely grateful and excited to take my skills to the next level in the NFL and especially with the Saints,” he said.
“[I] I can’t wait to call New Orleans my new home and build a sense of community there.”
McKinstry celebrated his NFL draft selection at a party with his friends and family in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.
“It was incredible to be surrounded by people I love and share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with those who have been with me since the beginning,” he says.
“The Kool-Aid Man even appeared to me!”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
