"It was all about the mindset": Jalen Milroe shares story behind the introduction of LANK in Alabama locker room

"LANK" or "Let All Naysayers Know," introduced by quarterback Jalen Milroe and defensive back Terrion Arnold, has become the motto of Alabama Crimson Tide. Introduced last season, the saying inspired them on their way to the SEC championship, where they defeated the Georgia Bulldogs and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The term has become famous since, and many Alabama supporters can be spotted wearing merchandise with "LANK" written on it. This intrigued many about the origin of this motto, which Milroe disclosed during his conversation on "The Pivot" podcast on Tuesday.

"LANK was something that was built in the offseason of the 2022 season," Milroe told Ryan Clark on 'The Pivot.' "From that season, we had to turn the page on external factors. Going into that season, we didn’t play up to the standard of Alabama football.

"So, when it came to the offseason, transitioning and preparing, it was all about us—about our mindset and how we approached the game. Having doubters and naysayers only fueled us as we approached each game."

However, host Ryan Clark wasn't convinced if this was the original story behind the motto.

"He doubting me right now!” Milroe said.

The motto came into existence after Alabama lost to the Texas Longhorns early on last season, with many questioning whether Jalen Milroe has the caliber to lead this team to a championship. Following intense criticism, Milroe shut his critics by defeating Georgia in the championship game.

Jalen Milroe's rallying motto, "LANK," has come a long way

According to The Athletic's Kennington Smith III, in collaboration with Beats last season, Jalen Milroe and defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry gifted everyone on the roster a pair of headphones with the message ending with "LANK."

The message was to motivate everyone on the squad despite the loss to the Longhorns. The motto soon went viral, with Alabama supporters sporting merchandise on it throughout last season.

Milroe and Terrion Arnold also started an apparel line named “LANK” with the help of Athlete's Thread. Earlier in July this year, Alabama announced a documentary based on this motto.

The documentary also featured former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, who retired in January.

This season, Alabama and Jalen Milroe have gotten off to a good start, defeating Western Kentucky 63-0 in Week 1, followed by a 42-18 win over South Florida in Week 2. New coach Kalen DeBoer's No. 4-ranked unit will next face the Wisconsin Badgers this Saturday.