Dear Tua,
This is my second letter to you. The first one I wrote was just after you had surgery and you were in recovery. I hope you know that Bama Nation has continued to pray for you, support you, and encourage you.
But this letter is a little different.
Since your surgery, you’ve continued to be one of the biggest sports stories. Every single day, the media discusses your future, analyzes your potential decision, and has been watching every move you’ve made and every word you’ve said since you endured that tragic season ending injury.
But, they’ve forgotten one very important thing: It is YOUR decision.
You’re a 21 year old young man who is making a decision that will change your life forever. And that’s no easy task.
And let’s be honest, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ve been wanting to play in the NFL since you were a little boy.
It’s all anyone that plays college football wants: to make it to the next level. And you Tua, have done so much in your time at Alabama.
You’ve won a National Championship, were a Heisman finalist, led your team to another CFB Playoff, won the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award, you were named the National Player of the Year by The Sporting News in 2018, and SO much more.
You’ve broken more school records than most people can keep up with.
You’re a role model to so many people.
The point is Tua, you don’t owe anyone, anything.
This is a decision you need to pray about. A decision that needs to be what’s best for you and your family.
Just know, whether you choose to return for your senior year, or whether you decide to declare for the NFL Draft, Alabama Nation will support you 100%.
I can also promise you this, wherever you end up, you will be a winner. Because that’s what you are. You’re a warrior, a winner, a champion, and one heck of a leader.
You’ve changed the game of football for the better Tua Tagovailoa. Not just because of your talent, but because of who you are as a person.
No matter what team you end up playing for in the NFL, they’ll be a better team simply for having you on their roster. I know for a fact that the University of Alabama is better for having you here.
Just remember, no matter what decision you make, just know you’ll ALWAYS have a home, a family, an Ohana, here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama supporting you and rooting you on.
Roll Tide FOREVER, Tua.
Sincerely, Hannah Stephens
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