In the wake of a challenging 2024 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program is implementing significant changes to restore its hallmark discipline and focus. Offensive lineman Roq Montgomery recently provided insights into these adjustments during an appearance on “The Bama Standard” podcast, highlighting a renewed commitment to accountability and the elimination of distractions.
Reflecting on the previous season, Montgomery acknowledged areas where the team’s discipline had waned. He emphasized that punctuality and professionalism are now non-negotiable aspects of the program. “You can’t be late to workouts no more. No more jewelry. No more necklaces. None of that. It’s not a fashion show. It’s football,” Montgomery stated.
These comments suggest that leniencies in team conduct may have contributed to Alabama’s uncharacteristic 9-4 finish in 2024, marking their worst record since 2007. Unexpected losses to teams like Vanderbilt and Oklahoma underscored issues in preparation and focus. Montgomery’s insights indicate that tardiness and a lack of seriousness were prevalent, leading to a renewed emphasis on accountability.
Under the leadership of head coach Kalen DeBoer, now entering his second year, the program is implementing stricter protocols to reestablish its disciplined culture. Montgomery detailed the consequences for infractions, noting that lateness to workouts results in collective penalties: “If somebody [is] late… everybody [does] 15 up-downs on [strength coach] Ballou’s whistle. And then whoever [is] late [has] to push a plate and do their workout, and 15 up-downs.”
This collective accountability aims to foster unity and ensure that all players adhere to the program’s rigorous standards. Montgomery emphasized the importance of returning to the foundational principles that have historically defined Alabama football: “We just got to get back to the old days—to when Bama does nothing but win, and win championships. That’s the main focus right now.”
The revelations have elicited mixed reactions from the Crimson Tide fanbase. Some supporters express concern that such disciplinary issues were permitted to arise, questioning the program’s internal oversight. One fan remarked, “Not sure why being late to workouts was acceptable in the first place,” while another noted, “Would’ve never happened under Saban regardless of the player.”
Despite these concerns, there is optimism that the heightened focus on discipline will translate into improved performance on the field. Montgomery’s personal commitment to adhering to these standards, including better nutrition and punctuality, reflects a broader cultural shift within the team. He acknowledged past shortcomings, stating, “I just never got the chance to just really produce how I wanted to because I wasn’t eating the right way and I didn’t change my ways. Now… I want to play so I got to eat right. It’s all about discipline.”
As Alabama prepares for the upcoming season, the program’s renewed dedication to discipline and accountability aims to reclaim its legacy of success. The adjustments implemented during the offseason reflect a collective resolve to uphold the values that have long been synonymous with Crimson Tide football.
For a more in-depth discussion on the cultural changes within Alabama’s football program, you can watch the following video:
