1 of 5 | US President Barack Obama (holding helmet) poses with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban (to Obama's R) with players from the NCAA national championship team, and University of Alabama's Interim President Judy Bonner (L) on the South Lawn of the White House, April 19, 2012, in Washington, DC. The number *14* signifies Alabama's total national championships after they defeated LSU, 21-0, in January, for the BCS college football championship. UPI/Mike Theiler |
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Alabama's second national championship in three years.
"This was a fun season to watch, but it was also a deeply meaningful season for the Tide," said Obama. "What is even more impressive is that these young men showed that success isn't about the individual -- it's about the ability to work as a team."
The president praised the team for making time to assist the tornado recovery effort through fundraising and helping to clear debris.
"The Tide showed us what it takes to win as a team, but they also showed what it means to be a part of a larger community," he said.