Ken Braid (1951-2026) will always be remembered for his passion for the University of Illinois. As a student-athlete for the Illini, he earned the respect of both teammates and coaches while serving as captain of the Fighting Illini football team. In 1973, he was honored with the Bruce Capel Award as the team’s most courageous player, a testament to his character and resilience. He was also recognized for his excellence in the classroom as a first-team Academic All–Big Ten selection and went on to graduate in 1974 with a degree in physical education. For Ken, leadership was never just a title, it was a lifelong responsibility. In recognition of his enduring commitment to leadership and service, and his dedication to improving the lives of others and advancing the welfare of humanity, he was honored with the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award in 2007.
Contributions to the Illini Excellence Fund in honor of Ken Braid will used to create a football scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year in Ken’s name.
Thank you for remembering Ken with your support.