Team captains speaking, head coach Nick Saban and his wife Mrs. Terry waving at fans and Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey’s speech were a few of many special moments from Alabama’s national championship parade last week in Tuscaloosa.
Another highlight occurred on top of the school’s mascot “Big Al.” Defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tony Brown hitched a ride on the loveable elephant’s float at Denny Chimes. Brown, a sophomore, was sent home during the team’s Cotton Bowl preparation for Michigan State.
I'm blown away by crowd at the Alabama National Championship Parade.
The fans really respect what this team did. pic.twitter.com/3ImCDBhiVd— Jim Dunaway (@jimdunaway) January 23, 2016
He has encountered temperament issues in the past, yet his presence at the parade gives a sign of Saban willing to work with him. Brown was a five-star recruit from Beaumont, Texas upon enrolling at Alabama in 2014. He possess solid ball skills and physicality standing at 6-feet, 195 pounds. Brown was a standout on special teams with 16 total tackles, prior to the off-field mishap.
With the Crimson Tide graduating Geno Matias-Smith and Cyrus Jones, Brown has an opportunity to be more involved on defense playing at “Star.” Marlon Humphrey will remain at one corner, while Minkah Fitzpatrick looks to play opposite him.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
