Bigger than football: Grieving Ensmingers share emotional embrace following national championship
In one of the sad stories of this college football season, LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger lost his daughter-in-law, Carley McCord, who died in a plane crash on the way to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
After LSU knocked off Clemson in the national championship, Ensminger and his son, Steve Jr. had a long embrace on the field no doubt thinking of her in the midst of the title celebration.
Ensminger still coached in the Peach Bowl, and made a very difficult call that night to his son.
McCord, 30, was a sports reporter for WDSU-TV in New Orleans and appeared as a sideline reporter for ESPN.
The embrace was captured by several members of the media, who noted the emotional nature of the family.
An emotional moment between Steve Ensminger and his son 🙏 pic.twitter.com/q9m1WlhWtV
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 14, 2020
Not one second have I stopped thinking about @CarleyMcCord her family and the Ensmingers. What a moment between father & son and @espn did an unreal job of capturing the moments and sharing her legacy tonight. Bigger than football. pic.twitter.com/KcQ5HTrl2z
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) January 14, 2020
Two seats in the Superdome press box tonight have been reserved in memory of Carley McCord and Edward Aschoff.
Aschoff, 34, died on Dec. 24 after a bout with pneumonia. McCord, 30, died on Dec. 28 in a plane accident.
Both were widely respected and adored sports journalists. pic.twitter.com/FaMW3572zx
— Amie Just (@Amie_Just) January 13, 2020
ESPN earlier Monday aired a feature about McCord, the Ensminger family, and how the LSU program has responded to the loss.
As their team plays for a title, the LSU family also mourns.
Win or lose, Carley McCord’s spirit lives on. pic.twitter.com/2nSkh5ZzOK
— ESPN (@espn) January 14, 2020
