Bret Bielema's words about Melvin Priestly will have fans holding back tears

Melvin Priestly, Eastern Illinois v Illinois | Justin Casterline/GettyImagesSenior offensive lineman Melvin Priestly transferred to Illinois in 2024 after starting his collegiate career at Grambling State. Since then, he has started in every game the Fighting Illini have played with him on the roster.

Following the Illini's win over then-No. 21 USC, Priestly missed a mid-week practice, but head coach Bret Bielema assured everyone that he would be on the field the following Saturday, along with sharing a few special words about the veteran lineman.

"He's been through it, man," Bielema said, sharing that Priestly had missed the practice because of the funeral of a loved one. "He's given me 100…