An estimated 32,000 fans packed Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday to celebrate Alabama’s 14th National Championship.
UA President Robert Witt, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Athletic Director Mal Moore and the entire Alabama team attended the event. Witt and Moore addressed the crowd, along with head coach Nick Saban, Barrett Jones, Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower and Trent Richardson.
It was the Crimson Tide’s second national championship celebration in three years, an accomplishment Saban called “pretty damn special.”
“This is a special group, and I absolutely love this team and what they were able to accomplish,” Saban said to the crowd. “I hope everyone appreciates everything they did to win the national championship.”
Despite rain and thunderstorms, fans lined up outside of the stadium around 8:30 a.m., even though the gates did not open until noon. Fans watched highlights from the championship game on the jumbotrons throughout Bryant-Denny and applauded as if the plays were happening live.
Linebacker Nico Johnson said the Tide was fortunate to have a great turnout.
“I seriously think we have the best fans in the country,” Johnson said. “No matter where we go, you know Alabama fans are going to support their team and we are thankful for that.”
With everything that happened in the offseason, this was a special season for the Tide. From the April 27 tornado to the death of teammate Aaron Douglas in May, this year’s championship felt more special for the players.
“This was big for us,” Richardson said. “We are happy to bring [the championship] back to Tuscaloosa and bring hope back to the town.”
Jones said, “Today was awesome, just to come back and share it with the fans. They’re a huge part of what we’ve done. We wouldn’t be the program that we are if not for the great fans that we have. We have the best fans in the country, and they showed that today, the way they showed up and supported us.”
During the 2009 celebration, Saban said the championship was not the end, but only the beginning. With top recruiting classes and key players returning, Alabama fans have hopes of a new dynasty. Players said this championship is still the beginning as well.
“We are building a dynasty here,” Richardson said. “With the tradition that Alabama has, we are always going to be good.”
“We are chasing the 15th already,” Johnson said.
