Former Bear Bryant players create stirring video for Bryant Museum

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September 14, 2015

(Video Above: Former Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant players share the “A New Day” poem for his birthday)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Friday would have been legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s 102nd birthday, and to celebrate several of his former players appeared in a video to share an inspiring poem the coach carried in his wallet and shared with his team.

The poem, titled “A New Day” by Heartsill Wilson, urges readers to embrace each day on Earth for its opportunity to do good, for it is dearly paid for, and will never come again.

Featured in the video are Sylvester Croom who played linebacker, center, and tight end under Bryant from 1971-1975 and was the first African-American coach in the SEC; “Broadway” Joe Namath, whose illustrious college and football careers landed him in the Hall of Fame; Darwin Holt, a player who transferred from Texas A&M to continue playing under Coach Bryant in 1959 and was part of what came to be considered one of the best college football defensive squads of all time; Bill Battle, who now serves as the University of Alabama Athletic Director; Jeremiah Castille, a member of Coach Bryant’s last team who was named an All-American in 1982; Jerry Duncan a member of the undefeated 1966 team and long-time sideline reporter for the Alabama Radio Network; Bob Baumhower a 5-time Pro Bowler who now runs a chain of restaurants across the state of Alabama; and Walter Lewis, the Tide’s first African American quarterback, a Heisman trophy contender, and Brewton, Alabama, native.

Enjoy the short video above, and take its message to heart.

Copies of the poem are available visitors of The Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa.