Players part of community on, off field

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WALA) - The last two years have been bittersweet for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The team won its 14 ^th National Title last year in New Orleans. However, it has also spent much time off the field helping rebuild the city of Tuscaloosa.

It’s been nearly two years since an EF-4 Tornado tore through the city, leaving thousands of people homeless and city sidewalks bare.

Photos: Rebuilding Tuscaloosa

Different agencies and organizations have come and gone in the storm’s aftermath, looking to do what they can.

Residents said, however, one constant has always been the Alabama Football team.

“The community needed the support of the football team at this time when the football team has always been supported by the community,” said Jared Patterson with Habitat for Humanity in Tuscaloosa. “And just to see them give back and take on that role, it was just amazing.”

One way the team got involved was through Nick and Terry Saban’s charity Nick’s Kids.

The Saban’s charity partnered up with Habitat for Humanity following the twister to start rebuilding homes.

The initial concept was simplewas to build a storm-proof home for each National Title that Alabama has won.

“We came up with 13 for 13 initially,” said Patterson. “Then last year, they won a championship; and we developed it into 14 for 14. Hopefully, (we’ll build) 15 for 15 this year.”

John and Pam Nero were one of the families that lost everything in the storm.

John was nearly sucked out of his home by the EF-4 tornado and believes he was saved by his wife and son, who held on to him.

The couple’s neighborhood was flattened and still remains fairly empty.

However, they are now living in one of several new homes built in the area of 24th Avenue and 7 ^th Street.  In fact, their new home sits directly across the street from where their old one used to be.

“Nicks Kids got involved. The football team was out there,” said John Nero. “Those guys were just busting it out trying to cleanup.”

Nero said the Crimson Tide has become more than just a Football team. He said they represent hope, progress, and have proven time and again the importance of teamwork.

He and his wife said they’ll be watching the BCS National Championship from their new home and keeping a close eye on Head Coach Nick Saban.

“If you see Nick on the sideline and he breaks out a smile, then we’re in trouble,” said Pam Nero. “You know he never smiles.”