Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron got some words of advice from a professional sports star before the Iron Bowl, but it seems the pro didn’t quite have the winning formula.
McCarron told the media on Monday about a phone call he received from embattled Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez prior to his team’s rivalry game against Auburn. Alabama lost the game in the most exciting last-second way possible, but McCarron said the pre-game conversation was pretty special.
“It’s almost like living in a dream in a way because I’ve met guys that I’ve watched and watched coach for so many years,” McCarron said, according to al.com “Now I’m talking to them on the phone and meeting them in person. It’s just pretty surreal.”
The phone call was arranged by Trevor Moawad, Alabama’s mental conditioning coach, who does similar work with the Yankees. This wasn’t McCarron’s first interaction with members of the Bronx Bombers, either. In November, Derek Jeter took in the Crimson Tide’s matchup against LSU, and manager Joe Girardi spoke to the team during preseason.
The Heisman hopeful learned that the Yankees also get inspiration from the Tide. Girardi reportedly showed the Yankees a video of McCarron and former Alabama center Barrett Jones shoving one another during the fourth quarter of Alabama’s BCS National Championship win over Notre Dame.
“[He told them] that’s the passion they need within their club again and stuff like that,” McCarron said. “It’s just pretty crazy that they’ve watched me before and are fans of me. Like I said, it’s unbelievable.”
Alabama finished the season ranked No. 3 in the country and will take on No. 11 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.
Right photo via Twitter/@GersonBorrero
