Tuscaloosa, Alabama, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A Tuscaloosa woman has made headlines with her intentions to spend potential Powerball winnings on the struggling Alabama football program. With a $1.8 billion jackpot, Susie Conerly aims to pay off head coach Kalen DeBoer’s hefty buyout and indicated plans to contribute to her church and family. After a rocky season start for the Crimson Tide, her proposals highlight community support for the team amidst administrative changes.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – A local woman’s plans for the recently increased $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot have attracted attention amidst a tumultuous season for the University of Alabama’s football team. After the Thursday night drawing yielded no grand prize winner, the jackpot’s value surged, marking it as the second largest in lottery history. Susie Conerly, an Alabama resident, has openly discussed how she would utilize her potential winnings, specifically to address the recent struggles of the Crimson Tide’s football program.
Conerly stated in an interview that her primary financial goal would be to pay off Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer’s substantial buyout. The coach, who took over after the retirement of Nick Saban post-2023 season, is facing scrutiny following the team’s disappointing season opener, a 31-17 loss to Florida State. DeBoer’s buyout stands at approximately $63 million, and Conerly has proposed allocating $70 million from her Powerball winnings for this purpose.
In addition to DeBoer, Conerly mentioned a desire to remove Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne amidst the challenges facing the football program. Following the loss to Florida State, the team’s players held a meeting to address their energy and dynamics moving forward, demonstrating concern over their performance. There was even an unexpected appearance by Coach DeBoer at this players-only meeting, where he aimed to inspire the athletes as they regrouped.
Despite the rocky start to the season, the Crimson Tide rebounded impressively with a commanding 73-0 victory against Louisiana Monroe shortly after the meeting. Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard highlighted the improved energy levels during the subsequent week of practice, emphasizing the need for every player to maintain high energy as the season progresses.
If Conerly or another player were to win the Powerball drawing, the estimated cash value before taxes would stand at $826.4 million. Excitement continues to build for the next drawing, as players seek to engage in the game responsibly. Future investments for Conerly also include plans to contribute to her church and family, indicating a desire to use her fortune for both personal and broader community impact.
As the Powerball jackpot continues to climb, Alabama football’s performance and administrative decisions remain in the spotlight, intertwining the fortunes of the team’s future with that of the lottery winnings.
Key Figures Involved
- Jackpot Amount: $1.8 billion
- Coach Kalen DeBoer’s Buyout: Approximately $63 million
- Proposed Payment from Conerly: $70 million
- Cash Value Before Taxes: Estimated at $826.4 million
- Recent Game Results: Lost 31-17 to Florida State; Won 73-0 against Louisiana Monroe
Background Context
The Alabama football program, historically dominant, is currently navigating a challenging period under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The former coach, Nick Saban, retired after the 2023 season, leaving big shoes to fill. Conerly’s involvement and her intentions for the lottery winnings reflect broader sentiments among fans and stakeholders as they consider changes necessary for the program’s success moving forward.
FAQ Section
What is the current Powerball jackpot amount?
The Powerball jackpot is currently at $1.8 billion.
Who is Kalen DeBoer and what challenges is he facing?
Kalen DeBoer is the head coach of the Alabama football team, facing scrutiny following a season-opening loss to Florida State.
What does Susie Conerly plan to do with her potential winnings?
Susie Conerly plans to pay off Coach DeBoer’s buyout and also make contributions to her church and family.
What was the outcome of Alabama’s recent games?
Alabama lost 31-17 to Florida State but later secured a 73-0 victory against Louisiana Monroe.
Key Features of the Powerball Drawing and Alabama Football
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Jackpot Amount | $1.8 billion |
| Estimated Cash Value | $826.4 million before taxes |
| Kalen DeBoer’s Buyout | Approximately $63 million |
| Conerly’s Proposed Allocation | $70 million for DeBoer’s pay off |
| Recent Game Results | Lost 31-17 to Florida State; Won 73-0 against Louisiana Monroe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Resident Plans to Dismiss Coach with Powerball Winnings
Additional Resources
- Fox News: Alabama Woman’s Powerball Plans
- Sports Illustrated: Players-Only Meeting Energy
- Bama Hammer: Kalen DeBoer on Resiliency
- AL.com: Alabama Freshman Wide Receiver
- Google Search: Powerball Jackpot
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The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
