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Former Alabama LB and UFC Star Eryk Anders on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 69: Aug. 28, 2023

Former Crimson Tide linebacker Eryk Anders will serve as one of the honorary captains for the season opener against MTSU. We caught up with the UFC superstar and talked about football, fighting and more.
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It's finally game week for Alabama football as the season kicks off in just five short days. 

The Tide will welcome the MTSU Blue Raiders on Saturday to get the 2023 season underway and "The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral" is blessed to welcome one of the honorary captains for that game to the program, former Crimson Tide linebacker Eryk Anders.

Anders originally came to Tuscaloosa to play for Mike Shula. He had a front row seat to the Nick Saban experience as he played linebacker during Saban's first three years. 

Current defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was on the original Saban staff so we picked Anders' brain on what Steele what its like playing for Steele and what the veteran coach will look to establish with the current Alabama roster.

The UFC superstar detailed traits and characteristics needed to succeed as a "Jack" linebacker in Saban's scheme as he started over a dozen games during the 2009 national championship season.

Anders detailed his path from playing football to finding fighting as his calling and what the sport of MMA has provided him in terms of fulfillment and a lifelong path towards inner peace.

Check out the interview to hear about his time on the hit Netflix show "Cobra Kai", what Anders can cook the best and what UFC venue compares best to LSU's "Death Valley".

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See Also: 

Football Friday on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 68: Aug. 25, 2023

Nick Saban Unsure on Plan for Quarterbacks in Saturday's Season Opener

Alabama Football Focuses on Hydration As Heat Index Remains High