2022 Alabama Football Captains Honored During A-Day
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Before Alabama football fans and supporters checked out the future of the Crimson Tide, many gathered at the Denny Chimes to etch the 2022 program's legacy in stone — literally.
Will Anderson Jr., Bryce Young and Jordan Battle were selected as permanent team captains of the 2022 squad that finished 11-2 with a Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State. A part of that honor means that each player makes a print with his cleat and his hand on the plot by Denny Chimes, as many others have done before.
"I think it's a great honor that these captains are recognized. This is a great tradition," head coach Nick Saban said as he spoke to the crowd in attendance. "Leadership is something that is very important to people being successful. These guys cared enough about their teammates and other people to help them. They were willing to take the responsibility to be mentors to other players on our team."
Young was not in attendance, but Anderson and Battle both spoke to the crowd and received a healthy amount of cheers as they walked to the podium.
"I just want to say thank you to the whole university," Anderson said. "Coach Saban, thank you for everything. To the whole staff; the teachers that taught me; all my teammates, my coaches; the great fans, we appreciate y'all.
"I couldn't have done this without all of the people believing in me."
Battle had similar sentiments, thanking his coaches and the fans for all of the support he's received, along with how he tried to support others during his time.
"My goal was to put a smile on someone's face every day, and I hope I did that for the fans and supporters," Battle said.
Both players were met with a loud "Roll Tide!" at the end of their speeches. While Saban was speaking, Anderson and Battle began the process by stepping into the wet cement with one cleat and their right hand.
After signing autographs and taking pictures with fans, both players spoke to the media to share their thoughts on the honor. Battle said the moment felt "surreal" as he talked about how fast the years went by for him. Anderson added that he's thankful for those believing in him enough to be a two-time captain (he was voted a captain last year).
Both players, along with Young, are projected to be selected in next week's NFL Draft, but as permanent team captains, their legacies are "cemented" forever.
