What does 'LANK' mean in Alabama Football? Exploring Crimson Tide's new team mantra
Under coach Nick Saban, Alabama has created a motto called "LANK." The Crimson Tide's new team mantra stands for "Let All Naysayers Know," which is a way to motivate each other.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold explained the reason behind the new approach for the season:
"LANK means, 'Let All Naysayers Know' ... It’s kind of like everybody disrespecting us and everybody doubting us. Kind of like with us addressing all the disrespect and really taking it personal, we really take that personal.
"You go out there, and like Coach Saban says, if you play to the standard, you LANK ‘em. Let all naysayers know.”
Quarterback Jalen Milroe has exemplified the team's motto. He was heavily criticized for a few performances last season but has turned it around.
What does 'LANK' mean in Alabama Football?
Simply put, 'LANK' is short for "Let All Naysayers Know". QB Jalen Milroe explained how he and Arnold came up with the idea of LANK in the offseason in the post-game interview of Alabama's game against Middle Tennessee where he threw for three touchdowns:
"There was a lot of doubt that took place throughout the offseason. There were a lot of things that took place. That was one thing that we came together as one group, one unit to try to think of a motto."
He further described the motivation behind the mantra and what it stands for:
"I think the biggest thing is being constantly hungry. Not worrying about proving anyone wrong or proving anybody right, just trying to get better. I play for my brothers that’s with me wearing crimson and white, that’s who I play for. I play for the coaching staff and I play for the Alabama fans, that’s who I really play for. I just want to get better."
How has "LANK" helped Alabama football?
"Let All Naysayers Know" is the new motto that has become the driving force behind the team's success this season. Moreover, Milroe and Arnold have been able to leverage the slogan into NIL deals.
The duo also announced that any Alabama teammate could also take advantage of the merch in a partnership with Yea Alabama and Athlete's Threads.
Alabama Football has an 11-1 record and posted a 27-24 win in the SEC championship game against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.
They are on the verge of qualifying for the College Football Playoff.