“Love this program”: Alabama fans left spellbound by Kalen DeBoer’s heartwarming gesture towards disabled kids
Kalen DeBoer has led the Alabama Crimson Tide into week 6 with a 4-0 record. Apart from winning on the field, he's also capturing the hearts of fans off the field with his kindness in a new ‘Friday tradition.’
In an Instagram post shared by the Alabama football account, DeBoer welcomed two specially abled young guests, Sawyer and his sister Ellis. He revealed that the sibling duo is an Alabama football fan and invited them to join the team on the practice field.
The new Alabama HC introduced them as “really, really, really special guests” and praised them for their love of the entire Alabama team. The post was captioned:
“Find joy in the little things ❤️.”
The Instagram video showed Alabama players cheering as the children were wheeled down the field to score touchdowns. The video stole the hearts of the Alabama fans, who swooped in to appreciate the 49-year-old HC’s gesture.
One fan perfectly summed it up:
“I love this program.”
Another commented:
“I love that yall started this!”
A fan was deeply touched and wrote:
“I’m not crying. You’re crying. I love this so much every week.”
One Alabama fan applauded the team, writing:
“I am so glad to see the players do this. It is a selfless act, but means so much for the people they do it for. Well done team 👏👍”
“Great job men! 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘,” wrote another proud fan.
A fan had two-worded praise:
“🔥🙏🏽 The standard.”
DeBoer is ensuring that the legacy created by former head coach Saban in his 17-year run with the team is carried forward.
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Kalen DeBoer is carrying the Alabama legacy forward
Alabama fans couldn't have hoped for a more seamless transition after Nick Saban announced his retirement earlier this year. DeBoer looks like settling well in Tuscaloosa and is continuing the former Alabama HC's legacy by leading the Crimson Tide toward success.
While DeBoer aims to make his mark, he’s keeping certain traditions alive that are deeply embedded in the program's culture. One such tradition is having freshman players learn Alabama’s fight song, "Yea, Alabama," during fall camp.
A post on X from last month showed the football players cramming their university’s fight song. The caption summed it up well, connecting DeBoer’s era to Saban’s.
“It was a tradition before Nick Saban, during the Saban era, and now Kalen DeBoer keeps it going. Alabama freshmen players learn the Crimson Tide fight song in fall camp.”
Fans are embracing DeBoer’s efforts, appreciating his balance of innovation and respect for what came before him.
Also Read: CFB insider predicts one SEC powerhouse to go undefeated and it's not Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama