Kevin Travell Carter-Ryals Jr. "KJ"

Celebrating the Life of Kevin Travell Ryals Jr.

Kevin Travell Ryals Jr. was born on September 7, 1998, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, to LaTrice Graham (Brown-Carter) and Kevin Ryals Sr. From the beginning, Kevin brought an energy all his own. He was lovable, playful, active, and always enjoyed a good laugh. Those who knew Kevin will remember his warm smile, his playful spirit, and perhaps most of all, his hugs—the kind of hugs that made you feel his love without him having to say a word.

At approximately eight years old, Kevin moved with his mother and siblings from Florida to Aurora, Colorado, where he would spend much of his childhood and grow into the young man so many came to know and love. He attended Cherokee Trail High School, where he graduated in 2017.

Sports were an important part of Kevin’s life. He loved both football and basketball, but football held a special place in his heart. His love for the game continued beyond high school when he earned a place on the Colorado Rockets football team. Whether on the field, playing basketball, or at home playing video games, Kevin enjoyed competition, having fun, and simply being himself.

One of the most defining moments of Kevin’s young life came in December 2016. While still a junior in high school, Kevin became a father to his beautiful daughter, Ishala, whom he shared with Erisha James. Fatherhood became an important part of Kevin’s emerging identity. He loved spending time with Ishala, and those who watched him grow had the privilege of seeing something remarkable unfold: the active and sometimes immature little boy they once knew gradually emerging into a father, a friend, a neighbor, and a young man others could count upon.

Kevin loved and supported his family. As he matured, that love became increasingly visible through his presence and his willingness to be there when he was needed. His life was not defined by perfection, but by growth. There was something beautiful about watching Kevin become Kevin—finding his own identity, learning responsibility, loving his daughter, building relationships, and becoming his own man.

During the final year of his life, Kevin shared a loving relationship with his fiancée, Kiuana. Their relationship became another meaningful part of the man Kevin was becoming and the future he was building. In Kiuana, Kevin found companionship, love, and someone with whom he could share both the ordinary moments of everyday life and dreams for what was still to come. Although their time together was far shorter than either could have imagined, the love they shared became an important chapter in Kevin’s life and will forever remain part of his story.

Kevin also had his own way of expressing his faith and spiritual identity. He referred to himself as a “Hebrew boy,” and when asked whether he believed in Jesus, his answer was yes. That simple confession now carries special meaning for those who loved him and hold to the hope that death does not have the final word.

Kevin was the beloved son of LaTrice Graham (Brown-Carter) and Kevin Ryals Sr.; the proud father of his daughter, Ishala; the loving fiancé of Kiuana; and brother to Marquise Smith, Dalvise Carter, Kya Carter, Amayah Brown, , and Ke’ja Ryals, Kevin Ryals 3rd, Tavarious English Jr, Kaebron Ryals, Kamerun Ryals, Isaiah Ryals

Ke’vya Ryals. He leaves behind family, friends, neighbors, teammates, and countless others whose lives were touched by his smile, laughter, loyalty, and love.

Kevin was preceded in death by his uncle, Paul Kent Clark and sister Ke’brianna Ryals

On August 18, 2026, at only 27 years old and just weeks before his 28th birthday, Kevin’s earthly season came to an unexpected close. Yet for those who knew his love for football and who share his hope in Christ, perhaps there is another way to describe that day:

Kevin received a call to a different team.

Not one with earthly jerseys, scoreboards, wins, or losses, but an eternal team where the final victory has already been won.

The field may look different now, and those of us left on the sidelines would have given anything for more time. We wanted more games, more laughter, more conversations, more milestones, more of that warm smile, and certainly more of those unforgettable hugs. We wanted more time for Kevin to be a father to Ishala, more time for him and Kiana to build the future they envisioned, and more time to watch the man he was still becoming. But we will carry Kevin with us—in the stories we tell, in the laughter we remember, in the lives he touched, and especially through his daughter, Ishala.

Kevin Travell Ryals Jr. was a son. He was a father. He was a fiancé. He was a brother. He was family. He was a friend. He was an athlete. He was a neighbor. And he was deeply loved.

His earthly jersey may have been retired far sooner than we ever imagined, but his name, his love, and his legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Kevin, until we meet again, play on.