Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Alabama’s Phidarian Mathis’ message for Georgia: ‘We still run the SEC’

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC

Crimson Tide defensive lineman Phil Mathis discusses his chances of making it to the NFL during a media session at the Senior Bowl. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)
By
Feb 1, 2022

MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian “Phil” Mathis had some kind words for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs and then threw some shade Tuesday.

ExploreMore AJC coverage of the Bulldogs

“I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys,” Mathis said at the Senior Bowl. “You know, we came up short. But let me remind y’all, we still run the SEC. Let that be known.”

The Crimson Tide defeated Georgia for the SEC title, but lost to the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Championship game. There are six Georgia Bulldogs participating in the Senior Bowl week after two withdrew.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys,” Mathis said. “We’ve been around each other. Actually getting to know those guys more since we’ve been around each other. Also, ready to learn from someone you know like (defensive lineman Devonte) Wyatt. See what his game is like. Also, just here to compete.”

ExploreMore AJC coverage of the Falcons

The Bow Tie Chronicles

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a strained PCL in his left knee. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons receiver Drake London declared out for Jets game Sunday

Falcons leading wide receiver Drake London will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a sprained PCL.

Here’s how the Falcons revived their pass rush, are on pace to break record

The Falcons have 39 sacks with six games to play. They are currently ranked third in the NFL behind the Broncos (49) and Browns (42).

Falcons’ rookie defenders Pearce, Walker helping pass rush on record pace

James Pearce Jr. and fellow rookie Jalon Walker, who each were selected in the first round of the NFL draft this year, have come along nicely as the season has progressed.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a strained PCL in his left knee. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons receiver Drake London declared out for Jets game Sunday

Here’s how the Falcons revived their pass rush, are on pace to break record

Falcons’ rookie defenders Pearce, Walker helping pass rush on record pace

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Metro Atlanta retailers hopeful for strong holiday season after chaotic year

Some independent retailers in metro Atlanta are entering this holiday season feeling battered by what they call a chaotic year.

$21B data center proposal aims to become one of Georgia’s largest

Trammell Crow Co. is planning a $21 billion technology campus for a 1,632-acre site along I-75 roughly 60 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

This metro Atlanta couple spearheaded a change in football helmets

Erin and Lee Hanson are the founders behind Guardian Sports, the company that makes the Guardian Caps worn by college football and NFL players.