"Deepest condolences & prayers": Rece Davis pays a touching tribute to Bill Battle after his death at the age of 82

Alabama Crimson Tide icon Bill Battle died on Thursday. The administrator, student-athlete, coach, and licensing pioneer was 82 years old.

Following the announcement of the news, Rece Davis took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to pay his respects:

"Bill was a tremendous coach, administrator and innovator. I was glad to spend a few minutes talking with him recently in Tuscaloosa. His contributions to collegiate sports and to @UA_Athletics were immense. Deepest condolences and prayers for his family and friends."

Davis' comment got a significant amount of good press. People on X agreed with the words about Battle's impact and legacy.

Bill Battle had a tremendous legacy

Bill Battle played tight end and defensive end for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1960 to 1962. He had a decent collegiate career that peaked in 1961 with a national championship win. Battle later became the youngest coach in the nation when he accepted the role of head coach for the Tennessee Volunteers at the age of 29.

Battle excelled in the role, compiling a 59–22–2 record in seven years with the Volunteers. However, he departed the program after the 1976 season to allow coach Johnny Majors to make a triumphant return to Tennessee.

Following his split with the Volunteers, Battle decided to enter the licensing world. He created the Collegiate Licensing Company in 1981 and served as its CEO for over a decade. The company was a huge hit and eventually had licensing deals with over 200 collegiate programs.

Battle's last major role in college football was as the athletics director at his alma mater, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He served in that capacity from 2013 until 2017, helping re-establish the Crimson Tide as a major player in collegiate football.

Bill Battle passes away with a tremendous legacy that is filled with impact from top to bottom. He thrived in seemingly everything he set his hands to, from appearing as a student-athlete to moulding the next set of elite student-athletes in Tuscaloosa.