Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is disappointed with the decision to close down the football program at University of Alabama-Birmingham that spawned his NFL career.
The school became the first in the Football Bowl Subdivision to close since Pacific in 1995. White played for the Blazers from 2001 to 2005 and blossom into an NFL prospect. He was selected by the Falcons in the first-round of the 2005 NFL draft.
“I am hurting for those kids that were members of that UAB football team,” White said in a statement released by the Falcons. “I am hurting for those coaches that did a great job of getting the team Bowl eligible this year, and I am hurting for the UAB community.”
White caught 163 passes for 3,112 yards and score 26 touchdowns for the Blazers. He help led them to their only Bowl appearance, a trip to the Hawaii Bowl in 2004.
“The football program was a big part of that community, and the people in that area made great impacts on the lives of those young men, including myself,” White said. “I know those players are going through a lot of emotions right now, but I want them to know that you have an opportunity to continue playing college football and continue to work towards your degree.”
“Do not allow this decision to derail your dreams. Again, I am appreciative of my time and experience at UAB, but I am saddened that there will no longer be football there.”
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