Defying college football norms, star Alabama quarterback Bryce Young announced last week his intention to play in the Sugar Bowl.
Atypical for a player with such a high draft grade given the risk of injury, Young’s decision was based on his desire to “finish with my teammates this season.”
“Again, there’s been a lot of work, a lot that has gone into this year. I just get another chance to play with my brothers. That’s really how I look at it,” said Young during a Monday press conference. “This is a great opportunity for us as a team, for me, for all of us. We’ve all had each other’s backs all year. It’s been about accountability, making sure that we’re holding ourselves to our standard. That’s all words that we all live by, that I live by.”
For Young, Alabama’s Dec. 31 postseason matchup against Kansas State is an opportunity to show the nation how the Crimson Tide’s 2022 season will be defined.
“So again, I’m grateful for the chance we have, the opportunity we all have, individuals and as a team. This is huge opportunity,” he said. “This is a big game to play against a really, really good team. We have a lot that we want to prove to ourselves. There’s a lot that we want to accomplish as a team.
“I’m just happy to get another chance to play with my guys.”
When asked how long it took to arrive at his conclusion, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner said “it was a pretty clear-cut decision.”
“It was just an opportunity to play with my guys. I love this team. I love everyone I play with … Me as a leader, I take pride in that — in being a leader on this team,” said Young. “That’s something that’s really important to me. It means a lot. So I have another chance to be out there, to play with my brothers. That’s not something I can pass up. It wasn’t too long or too hard of a choice.
“As a leader, I hold myself to that standard. As leaders, we hold ourselves to that standard. It was important for me to do that.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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