Florida A&M University running back Kelvin Dean Jr. is searching for his newly awarded Southwestern Athletic Conference championship ring.
Dean posted on X (formerly Twitter) at 5:43 a.m. on Tuesday that his car had been stolen for a second time. The post has been viewed more than 23,000 times and had been reposted 39 times by Tuesday evening.
“Someone broke into my car in Tallahassee for the second time. This time they stole my SWAC Championship ring,” Dean posted.
“If you hear or see anyone trying to sell it, please let me know.”
Dean, a Rickards High School graduate, told the Tallahassee Democrat that her car was vandalized Monday night.
He said the SWAC championship rings that FAMU presented to the school's football players during a ceremony at the school in April were stolen from his car.
FAMU celebrated its first-ever SWAC Football Championship with a 35-14 win over Prairie View A&M on Dec. 2, 2023 at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Dean said his car was first broken into six weeks ago at his apartment near Godby High School, and his iPad and identification were stolen.
Dean said his brother is also a resident at the complex and his car was stolen.
Dean said he filed a report with the Leon County Sheriff's Office and also notified apartment staff about both thefts.
He said LCSO took fingerprints from his vehicle on Monday.
But Dean said his apartment has no security guards or cameras, which could hinder investigations into the theft.
“There are no cameras here, no security guards,” Dean said.
Dean is considering buying a camera to protect his belongings.
“It's like we're left alone and we're forced to buy our own cameras,” Dean said. “There's so much to worry about every time we go to bed.”
Dean played a key role in the Rattlers' success, which culminated in the program's first-ever SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl victory in 2023.
He helped FAMU come from behind to win 30-26 against Howard University, earning the school its 17th Black College Football National Championship, scoring two clutch touchdowns and earning the Celebration Bowl Offensive Player of the Year award.
The Rattlers coaches, players and staff chose to receive separate SWAC title rings and national championship rings, which cost FAMU $450 each to produce.
The Rattlers are expected to receive their national title rings in the coming months.
Gerald Thomas III covers Florida A&M University sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. He can be reached by email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or via app (formerly Twitter). translation:.
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