Jalen Milroe, Terrion Arnold explain new 'LANK' motto for Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry landed NIL deals with Beats by Dre and gifted their teammates headphones.

It marked the second year in a row a Crimson Tide player handed out Beats at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, as quarterback Bryce Young did the same last year. And much like Young, Milroe and McKinstry’s gifts came with a message for the upcoming season.

Milroe wrote, “Today we will do what others won’t, so tomorrow we can accomplish what others can’t.” A fitting line before the start of the 2023 campaign. But there was a singly word in all caps at the end, one that has proven to be a mantra for the players – “LANK!”

Let all naysayers know.

The meaning behind Alabama’s new saying was revealed by cornerback Terrion Arnold on Monday after he was asked about Milroe’s performance in the season-opening win over Middle Tennessee. Arnold said, “That’s my LANK brother” and was asked to elaborate.

“Kind of like everybody disrespecting us and everybody doubting us,” Arnold told local reporters. “Kind of like with us addressing all the disrespect and really taking it personal, we really take that personal. So as far as when you go out there and, like Coach (Nick) Saban says, you play to the standard, you LANK ‘em – let all naysayers know.”

Milroe, making his Naylor Stone Media Suite debut, explained the origin of LANK.

“It was something we built throughout the offseason,” Milroe said. “We came as one unit to try to think of something, a motto, that’ll push our team. There’s a lot of doubt that took place throughout the offseason and a lot of things took place. That was one thing, we came together as one group, one unit to try and think of a motto, so that’s one of our mottos this year.”

That feeling of disrespect is one that seems to be shared throughout the Tide locker room leading up to the start of the 2023 campaign. At SEC Media Days, offensive tackle JC Latham discussed not appreciating some having lower expectations for Alabama this fall. It’s a balancing act, however, with trying to avoid outside noise but finding motivation. 

“The biggest thing is being constantly hungry,” Milroe said. “Not about proving anybody wrong or anybody right, just trying to get better. That’s key. I play for my brothers, who are with me wearing the crimson and white. I play for the coaching staff. I play for the Alabama fans. That’s who I really play for.

“I just want to get better. I want to get better for everybody.”

Arnold, Milroe praise the other’s performance

Both Milroe and Arnold played well in Alabama’s 56-7 win over MTSU in Week 1. Milroe made his third career start at quarterback and accounted for five total touchdowns, becoming the first Tide player to throw for three scores and run for two more in a single game. He was recognized as the Co-SEC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

And Milroe’s teammate, and friend, was impressed by the way the quarterback played.

“For him to go out there and have a great performance as people have been doubting him and kind of like saying he can’t really play the position,” Arnold said. “He’s put in a lot of work, so it’s good to see him grow, and I look forward to seeing him have success.”

Arnold made the eighth start of his career, playing opposite McKinstry at cornerback but also working in the slot at Star in Alabama’s dime package. Arnold recorded five tackles, shared a tackle for loss with Dallas Turner and broke up a pass against the Blue Raiders. He was strong in coverage and tackled well, keeping the MTSU receivers in front of him.

Milroe spoke highly of Arnold while shedding light on the bond between the two players.

“One thing about Terrion, he’s a huge competitor,” Milroe said. “Every day, how he approaches practice, his confidence level and the energy he brings to practice, so what was displayed on Saturday was all throughout the offseason. How he approaches every single day, his hunger, his energy, his likability around the team, all around, it came from the offseason grind. 

“He’s a baller. He’s my brother. He’s my best friend.”

Not a member, Alabama fans? Join BOL today!

Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up now for a year’s worth of premium access for $74.99! Or you can also gain monthly access for just $1! Get access to premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting content and also join thousands of Crimson Tide fans on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!