Kool-Aid McKinstry
CB #1 — New Orleans Saints
More New Orleans Saints Players
About Kool-Aid McKinstry
His legal name is Kool-Aid McKinstry. Not a nickname. Not a stage name. His actual, birth-certificate, government-issued name is Kool-Aid. His mother named him after the drink and he has been living up to the energy of that decision ever since. He came out of Alabama as a first-round cornerback with the kind of ball skills that make offensive coordinators rethink their game plans, and the kind of name that makes every broadcaster smile involuntarily when they have to say it on national television.
McKinstry plays with the confidence you'd expect from someone whose name is literally Kool-Aid. He's physical at the line, tracks the ball like a wide receiver, and celebrates interceptions with a joy that suggests he's having more fun than anyone else on the field. The "Oh Yeah!" references from the Kool-Aid Man commercials follow him everywhere, and he leans into them completely. Saints fans adopted him immediately, partly because he's a good player and partly because chanting "KOOL-AID" in the Superdome is one of the most entertaining things a human being can do on a Sunday afternoon. He's the rare player whose name alone generates more engagement than most players' entire careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kool-Aid McKinstry's name actually Kool-Aid?
Yes. His real, legal name is Kool-Aid McKinstry. His mother named him Kool-Aid and he has never expressed anything other than complete pride in it. He wore it on his Alabama jersey. He wears it on his Saints jersey. Every time a new fan discovers that it's his actual name and not a nickname, the cycle of disbelief and delight starts over again.
What Kool-Aid Man references come up in McKinstry memes?
All of them. The 'Oh Yeah!' catchphrase gets used on every big play. Fans photoshop him bursting through walls. The red Kool-Aid pitcher shows up in fan art constantly. When he gets an interception, the Superdome essentially becomes a Kool-Aid commercial. The brand has not officially sponsored him yet, which feels like a marketing department failing at their one job.
Last updated: April 2026