Nick Saban clarifies Alabama COVID-19 protocols heading into CFP semifinal

COVID-19 has been sweeping the sports world over the past week, most notably in the professional leagues. It’s inevitably going to affect college football as well, with the Alabama Crimson Tide being put on notice.

Head coach Nick Saban spoke to the media on Monday and clarified what Alabama’s COVID-19 protocols were heading into the College Football Playoff semifinal. He said nothing has changed from last season and players will be able to leave for Christmas break.

“Well, we let our players go home for break last year,” Saban said. “We educate the families, we give them a care package with everything they need to stay safe. We have implemented all the protocols here since we have been back that we had last year in terms of wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing in meetings. We are encouraging the players to do that when they leave here.

“We are really putting the protocols we used a year ago, which was helpful to us. We are going to keep doing that. I’m concerned, I’m always concerned when there is an issue out there. We want to help our players concerned about the issue. Respect it so they have the best opportunity to stay safe.”

Saban revealed the Crimson Tide has been staying up to date on the vaccinations as well, with a majority of the team receiving the booster shots.

“We’ve done a good job of vaccinating our players, we’ve done a good job of giving our players booster shots,” Saban said. “Most of them, over 90% of the players have got booster shots. They have really bought in to do everything they can to stay safe.”

Alabama dealt with COVID-19 during the postseason last year, also traveling to Dallas for the semifinal game. Staying healthy and out of COVID-19 protocols could be the difference between winning a national championship and going home.

Alabama Crimson Tide reveal Cotton Bowl jersey

In a short video released by the Alabama Football Twitter account on Saturday, the jerseys being worn in the Cotton Bowl were revealed. The reveal video showed several of Alabama’s brightest stars wearing the Cotton Bowl jerseys while having fun and posing for the cameras.

Lights. Camera. Action.🔥🔥@CottonBowlGame #BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/IumTH8JTYk

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 18, 2021

Henry To’oto’o, Phidarian Mathis, Jordan Battle, Brian Robinson Jr. and Evan Neal are among the players showcasing the uniforms. Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young shows off as well, along with Jameson Williams who strikes his Karate Kid touchdown celebration pose.

The jerseys don’t change much of the iconic Alabama look, but the prominent Cotton Bowl logo is emblazoned on the left shoulder. Below it slightly is the Nike logo that Alabama jerseys normally display, but in a metallic design that shines under the lights.