WASHINGTON — As of today, President Barack Obama has received the Alabama Crimson Tide football team at the White House four times during his eight years in office.
“I’ve got a lot of these jerseys,” he joked as the team captains from the Tide’s latest National Championship squad ceremonially gave the President Alabama gear to commemorate the occasion.
Alabama defeated Clemson 45-40 last month to win the College Football Playoff championship. It was UA’s 16th National Championship overall and the fifth for head coach Nick Saban.
Obama cut his eyes at Saban when referencing the Tide’s surprise onside kick in the second half of the game.
“That was one of the few times we saw Coach Saban smile on the sidelines,” he laughed. “You know it was a good night if Coach Saban was smiling.”
“But Coach Saban’s teams aren’t just defined by what they do one the field,” he continued. “Alabama was number one in the SEC and third among top 25 teams for graduation rates. They also volunteered hundreds of hours in and around Tuscaloosa… They spent some time with wounded warriors earlier today.
“The people of Alabama are extraordinarily proud of this team. Maybe the Auburn fans don’t want to admit it but everybody recognizes excellence when they see it and nobody has had more sustained excellence as a football team at the collegiate level than the Alabama Crimson Tide. I would say I’ll see you next year, but we’ve got this thing called term limits. Y’all can keep going.”
Obama was also complimentary of Alabama’s Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry, whom he met the month before at the National Prayer Breakfast.
“Derrick wasn’t just there to take pictures with fans,” the President recalled. “He led our group in a powerful prayer… You could see Derrick’s character in those words.”
RELATED: Derrick Henry prays ‘in Jesus’ name’ for wisdom & guidance from God at Natl. Prayer Breakfast
President Obama ultimately brought Coach Saban to the microphone in the East Room of the White House, giving the coach an opportunity to reflect on another successful year.
“I’d like to thank our team for a wonderful job this year,” said Saban. “They did some things that were special… The thing that was greatest about this team is that they won as one… They all bought in.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.