Kalen DeBoer's Alabama players take offseason break enjoying pickleball with Summer Bridge students

Syndication: Tuscaloosa News
Syndication Report: Tuscaloosa News (IMAGN)

The Alabama Crimson Tide are just a few weeks away before the start of a new era under Kalen DeBoer. Former coach Nick Saban retired after a 17-season stint earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of six national championships with the program. DeBoer was brought in from Washington as Saban's successor.

As the players continue building chemistry and cohesion with each other under Kalen DeBoer, they got some time off to themselves. Amid their intense off-season training and schedule, they got the chance to relax and rejuvenate with a fun pickleball session.

In a post shared on social media, several Alabama players enjoyed a fun game of pickleball with UA's CrossingPoints Program. The program aims to help young intellectually disabled adults pursue postsecondary education with the program.

The video also shows the Crimson Tide players making small but beautiful memories with the special adults, dancing and creating hilarious moments with each other. This moment of relaxation will help the Crimson Tide as they look to contend for the national championship this upcoming season.

Kalen DeBoer has a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders as Nick Saban's successor. Last season, he led the Huskies to an undefeated Pac-12 title and the national finals, but they were stopped in their tracks to win the natty. The Wolverines emerged as the 2023 natty champs in the finals.

DeBoer is known for being an offensive mastermind. And with the kind of offensive caliber Alabama has, he will be expected to utilize them to the fullest on the gridiron. The road to keeping Saban's legacy will be a tough one but not completely impossible.


Jalen Milroe explains reason behind staying in Alabama despite Nick Saban's retirement

Over the years, Nick Saban developed quite a few quarterback talents who went on to become stars in the NFL.

Before his retirement, Jalen Milroe was the last one to be the starter on the team. After Bryce Young's NFL transition, Milroe was named the starting QB last season.

Milroe didn't disappoint as the starter, leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC title victory over Georgia and a playoff berth. During an interview with 247Sports, Milroe opened up about why he decided to stay back in Tuscaloosa after Saban's retirement.

"That was definitely a hard moment in everyone's eyes with the transiton of him retiring. He has to do what's best for him, and that's exactly what he did.
"So I support him 100%. Now as players we have to do what's best for us. I felt like Alabama was the right place I needed to be at. I'm definitely confident in my decision and glad I stayed," Milroe said.

Alabama lost a few key players like Isaiah Bond and Amari Niblack. OT Kadyn Proctor had also departed for the Iowa Hawkeyes during the 30-day transfer window following Saban's retirement.

However, he decided to return to Alabama to play for Kalen DeBoer when the transfer portal reopened in the offseason.

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Edited by Bhargav
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