Faith, Football, and Brotherhood: Alabama Honors Four Players with Charlie Compton Award
Every August, as the heat of fall camp settles over Tuscaloosa and the grind of preparation for another Alabama football season begins, a quiet but powerful tradition takes place—one that has little to do with playbooks or pads. Sixty-two years ago, the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant began something that would outlive his era and resonate with players for generations: he led his team to church together. Not just a one-off, not for show—this was a yearly part of fall training, where the Alabama Crimson Tide stepped off the field, stepped out of the spotlight, and gathered as a brotherhood to reflect on something far bigger than football.
That tradition continues today. And this year, as always, it included a deeply meaningful moment: the presentation of the Charlie Compton Award. It’s not about who runs the fastest forty or who has the most tackles. It’s about something deeper—character, integrity, and faith. The award goes to the player who lives his life in a way that makes it clear to everyone around him: football may be his platform, but following Jesus Christ is his passion.
Plenty of Alabama players could’ve taken home that recognition this year. But the 2025 recipients were Tim Keenan III, Germie Bernard, Wilkin Formby, and Will Sanders—four young men whose lives, on and off the field, have pointed others toward something bigger than themselves. In a program built on excellence and high expectations, these guys stood out not just for how they play, but for how they live.
Tim Keenan III is a name that Alabama fans know well. He’s been an anchor on the defensive line and a vocal leader in the locker room, but what truly sets him apart is the way he carries himself when the cameras are off. Teammates describe him as someone who always has time for others, someone who listens more than he speaks, and someone who walks into every room with calm confidence rooted in something unshakable. He’s the kind of guy who’ll check in on you after a tough practice, lead a team prayer before a game, and remind everyone that their identity isn’t based on wins or losses.
Germie Bernard, one of the rising stars in Alabama’s receiving corps, has quickly made an impact—not just on the field but in the hearts of those around him. Transferring into a high-profile program like Alabama isn’t easy, but Bernard has done it with humility, grit, and an unwavering faith that others can feel. Coaches say he leads by example, not just with route-running precision but with daily choices that reveal what matters most to him. Whether it’s volunteering at team events, encouraging younger players, or speaking at Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings, Bernard’s walk is as strong as his game.
Then there’s Wilkin Formby, a Tuscaloosa native whose pride in wearing the Crimson and White runs deep. As a towering presence on the offensive line, Formby brings physical power to the field—but he brings something even stronger to his relationships: kindness and consistency. He’s the guy who remembers everyone’s name, who shows up early, and who treats every person with the same respect, no matter their title. He’s also been known to lead Bible studies and devotionals for teammates, not because he wants recognition, but because he genuinely wants to help others grow. That quiet leadership, rooted in faith, has had a ripple effect across the locker room.
And finally, Will Sanders. While his time on the field has had its highs and lows, his character has never wavered. He’s faced setbacks and battled for every opportunity, but through it all, he’s remained grounded. Coaches often mention how Will responds to adversity—with perseverance, patience, and purpose. He doesn’t need a spotlight to lead. His actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s through service projects, one-on-one mentorship with younger players, or simply the way he holds himself accountable, Sanders has shown what it looks like to walk the walk, every day.
These four men were honored during the team’s traditional church visit—an annual moment that traces its roots directly back to Coach Bryant’s vision for what it means to be more than just a football player. In Bryant’s era, the Alabama football program wasn’t just about winning games. It was about shaping men. And that’s exactly what the Charlie Compton Award represents. Named after a man known for his deep faith and quiet strength, the award is not a trophy as much as it is a recognition of values lived out loud.
For the coaching staff, the moment was a reminder that they’re building more than just a football team. They’re investing in future husbands, fathers, leaders, and servants. The coaches and support staff who choose the recipients don’t do so lightly. They look for players who consistently put others first, who bring light into heavy moments, and who use their influence to serve—not to be served.
And let’s talk for a minute about the man who captured it all: Kent Gidley, Alabama’s longtime athletic department photographer. Anyone around the program knows Gidley isn’t just good with a camera—he’s one of the best to ever do it. His photos from the day told a story no box score ever could. From wide shots of the team filing into church, to candid moments of quiet prayer, to the proud faces of the award recipients—Gidley’s lens captured what words struggle to convey. Faith. Brotherhood. Legacy.
What stands out most in all of this is how these players view their platform. At Alabama, the spotlight is intense. Every move is watched, every mistake magnified. But for Keenan, Bernard, Formby, and Sanders, the pressure hasn’t turned them inward—it’s pushed them upward. Their responses to challenges, both on the field and in life, consistently point to a greater purpose. That kind of witness doesn’t go unnoticed.
In today’s college football landscape—where NIL deals, transfer portals, and national rankings dominate the headlines—it’s easy to forget the human side of the game. But this tradition, this award, this moment each year reminds everyone that football is more than a sport. It’s a tool. A vehicle. And when used well, it becomes a platform to reflect truth, hope, and love into a world that desperately needs it.
Not every fan will see that side of Alabama football. They’ll see the touchdowns, the sacks, the rivalries. But behind every jersey is a young man facing the same questions we all face: Who am I? What do I believe in? What kind of legacy do I want to leave? For these four players, those questions are being answered one day at a time—with faith as the compass.
The impact of this tradition and this award will never be measured in trophies or stats. It’ll be measured in marriages that flourish, children raised with integrity, careers shaped by discipline and faith, and communities impacted by men who know their identity doesn’t come from their sport but from their Savior.
As fall camp rolls on and the intensity of the season picks up, there will be plenty of focus on Alabama’s playoff hopes, roster battles, and weekly matchups. But somewhere in the midst of all that noise, the example set by Tim Keenan III, Germie Bernard, Wilkin Formby, and Will Sanders will quietly continue. In the locker room. In the weight room. On campus. In church.
Because football is their platform.
But following Jesus Christ—that’s their passion.
