Posted on 12/19/2022 5:17:52 PM PST by where's_the_Outrage?
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. made headlines last week when they decided that they will play in the Crimson Tide's Sugar Bowl matchup against Kansas State.
In doing so, the two projected top-five picks in this spring's NFL Draft bucked a recent trend in college football of draft prospects sitting out of non-playoff bowl games in increasing numbers.
We now know why the two stars have decided to suit up for Alabama one final time.
Anderson and Young told reporters on Monday that they're trying to set an example of leadership and accountability for their Alabama teammates to follow once they're in the NFL, according to Chase Goodbread of the Tuscaloosa News.
"I wanted to finish with my teammates this season," Young said. "There's been a lot of work that's gone into this year, and I just get another chance to play with my brothers. That's really how I look at it. ... We've all had each other's backs all year. It's been about accountability, about making sure we're holding ourselves to our standard. That's a word that we all live by, that I live by."
No one would have blamed Young for sitting out the Sugar Bowl, which will be played in New Orleans on Dec. 31. He accomplished plenty during his two seasons as Alabama's starter behind center, most notably winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy.
Plus, it's not as if a Sugar Bowl appearance represents a marquee accomplishment for Alabama. This season marks just the second time in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff that the Crimson Tide won't participate.
That said, props to Young for taking his leadership responsibilities as a quarterback seriously and showing loyalty to the Alabama program by helping set a standard to be followed after he's gone.
Anderson, who both won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's best defensive player and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the second season in a row, offered a similar rationale for his decision.
"It was all just about the leadership and being here for the team," Anderson said. "I've been preaching so much over these last two years about how to do things the right way, the standard around here, and how to uplift and uphold the standard. And it wouldn't be right for me to just walk out on my teammates."
With Alabama experiencing a rare two-loss regular season, some former players have questioned whether the Crimson Tide's culture has slipped under longtime head coach Nick Saban. The decisions by Anderson and Young to play in the Sugar Bowl would seem to refute that notion.
Alabama will miss Young and Anderson on the field next season, but the Crimson Tide will surely benefit from the examples they leave behind.
Roll Tide!
I did notice that some of the first people to 'enter' the portal this year were recievers.
He said that TY Simpson would be the starting QB at Alabama in 2023.
- Roll Tide -
So, these guys are finishing the year with their teams. Wow. What heroes.
I love how folks today make heroes out of people doing their job.
“He said that TY Simpson would be the starting QB at Alabama in 2023.”
He also said Lane Kiffin would be the next coach at AwBurn.
RTR.
I would almost bet ya that the qb will be handing the ball off, tossing quick passes,and doing lots of sliding when running. The lb will be semi aggressive. And if ‘bama is ahead, the two will sit out the rest of the game. Why take a risk on multi-millions for a forgettable unimportant game?
Football has become a very useless endeavor except for the financial benefit of players, rabid fans, and bookmakers.
Both are expected to be top 5 picks in the NFL draft this spring. I’m sure they have insurance policies to protect them if there’s a catastrophic injury but, as Frank Gore can tell you, no insurance policy is going to completely make up for a torn up knee.
You have to applaud their courage and values. Bravo to them both.
“Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of victory,” - Gen. Douglas MacArthur
War Eagle!
...but Kansas State better bring it againt the Tide of Brothers with sumpthin to prove.
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