Unfinished Business: Belief and Trust Define Alabama Football Veterans Putting Off NFL Dreams
In the world of college football, where the promise of the NFL looms large and calls for young athletes to take their talents to the professional level are ever-present, there is a unique breed of player who stands apart. These are the Alabama football veterans who, despite having the talent, the potential, and the interest of NFL teams, make the conscious decision to return to the college gridiron for one more year. Their decision is not driven by a lack of ambition or fear of the future; rather, it stems from a deeper belief in the unfinished business they have at the University of Alabama and an unwavering trust in their team, their coaches, and their program.
The Legacy of Alabama Football
Alabama football, under the guidance of legendary head coach Nick Saban, has established itself as one of the most storied and successful programs in the history of college football. Known for its relentless work ethic, storied tradition, and championship pedigree, Alabama has become a pipeline to the NFL, sending countless players to the pros every year. The Crimson Tide’s culture of excellence is rooted in a long-standing legacy of winning national championships and developing top-tier talent.
For players who come to Alabama, the allure of the NFL is undeniable. Many arrive with the dream of playing at the next level, knowing that success at Alabama could mean a ticket to the highest echelons of football. Yet, for certain veterans, the pull to leave early and enter the draft is not as compelling as the pull to stay and finish what they started.
A Personal Choice: The Decision to Return
The decision to return to college for another year is often a deeply personal one. For these Alabama football veterans, it is not about avoiding the inevitable; rather, it is about something more profound—unfinished business. These players believe that they have something left to prove, both to themselves and to their teammates. It is an understanding that their work at Alabama is not yet complete and that the opportunity to play another season and chase another championship is a rare and valuable opportunity.
Consider a player like linebacker Dylan Moses, who, after suffering a torn ACL in 2019, made the choice to return for the 2020 season rather than enter the NFL Draft. For Moses, it was about reclaiming his health and his role on the team, as well as proving to himself and others that he was still one of the top players in the country. Similarly, other veterans like running back Najee Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith made the decision to return in 2020, despite being projected as high NFL Draft picks. For them, the allure of an additional season at Alabama—to improve their draft stock, enhance their legacy, and chase a national championship—was too great to pass up.
Belief in the System
At the core of their decision is a profound belief in the Alabama system. Under Saban’s leadership, the Crimson Tide have cultivated an environment where players are developed not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals. The program emphasizes discipline, work ethic, and accountability, and these values resonate deeply with the players who buy into the program’s philosophy. Saban’s track record of success and his ability to develop players into NFL-ready talents is a testament to his coaching acumen, but it is the culture of trust and belief that he has fostered that keeps many veterans in Tuscaloosa for an extra season.
These players trust that their time at Alabama will not only help them achieve individual success but will also set them up for long-term success in the NFL. They know that staying another year under Saban’s tutelage will provide them with the skills, the mindset, and the development they need to excel at the next level. The Alabama system, which places a heavy emphasis on consistency, leadership, and discipline, provides a strong foundation for these players to continue growing both on and off the field.
The camaraderie that builds within the team is another crucial factor. These veterans are not just playing for themselves—they are playing for their brothers in the locker room, the coaches who have mentored them, and the fans who have supported them throughout their careers. This sense of community and family is something that cannot be easily replicated in the NFL, where players often face a more transactional and impersonal environment.
Trust in Teammates and Coaches
A significant part of why these veterans return to Alabama is their trust in their teammates and coaches. Alabama has long been known for its culture of selflessness and unity, where the team comes first and individual success is secondary to the collective goal of winning championships. This is a mindset that Saban has instilled in his players, and it’s one that resonates deeply with those who choose to return.
For veterans like Harris and Smith, the decision to stay for another season was as much about playing alongside their talented teammates as it was about pursuing personal glory. These players have formed strong bonds with one another, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy as part of a dominant team is a driving force behind their decision. The chance to play for another national championship, to compete at the highest level, and to leave a mark on Alabama football history is a powerful motivator.
Additionally, there is an unspoken trust in the coaching staff that plays a pivotal role in their decision to stay. Saban is known for his no-nonsense approach, his relentless focus on preparation, and his ability to push his players to be their best. But he is also a coach who builds lasting relationships with his players and genuinely cares about their growth, both on and off the field. This level of trust in the coaching staff creates an environment where players feel supported and motivated to stay and continue their development.
Unfinished Business and Legacy
For many of these Alabama veterans, the decision to return for another season is ultimately about leaving a lasting legacy. They want to be remembered as players who helped elevate Alabama to even greater heights. They want to be part of a team that not only competes for championships but wins them. They want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, something that will be remembered for years to come.
This desire for a legacy is exemplified by players like Moses, who, after his injury, returned to Alabama not just to prove his health but to contribute to the team’s success. Harris and Smith had already cemented their legacies as standout players, but their decision to return for another season demonstrated a commitment to their teammates and to the Alabama program. These players wanted to ensure that they left Alabama football in a better place than they found it, and they understood that they had a crucial role to play in that effort.
Additionally, these veterans recognize that their decision to return is not just about the championships they may win or the records they may break. It’s about building a culture of excellence and passing down the lessons they’ve learned to the younger players on the team. The next generation of Alabama football players looks up to these veterans, and the example they set—of perseverance, dedication, and selflessness—will have a lasting impact on the program for years to come.
The Road to the NFL
Of course, the NFL is still the ultimate goal for many of these players, but the decision to return to Alabama is not a step backward—it’s a strategic move to ensure they are as prepared as possible for the professional stage. The additional year of development, combined with the experience of playing in one of the toughest and most prestigious college football programs in the country, often proves invaluable when it comes time for the NFL Draft.
For these Alabama veterans, the road to the NFL is not defined by rushing decisions or succumbing to outside pressure; instead, it is about taking control of their own destiny and ensuring that when the time does come, they are ready to succeed at the next level. Their time at Alabama is an investment in their future, one that pays off not just in personal achievement but in the collective success of the team and the legacy they leave behind.