Alabama Championship Celebration

Written by CBS 8 Sports

Saturday, 21 January 2012 05:24

Alabama fans have gathered to celebrate what coach Nick Saban called a "pretty damn special" accomplishment.

An estimated 32,000 filled one side of Bryant-Denny Stadium nearly two weeks after the Crimson Tide's second national championship in three years. They watched highlights from the season and heard from Saban and several star players, including NFL-bound tailback Trent Richardson.

Saban says he's never coached a team that was more determined or seen a more dominant performance than that 21-0 win over LSU in the championship game. He says, "I absolutely love this team and what they were able to accomplish."

A team that must replace five All-Americans, including Richardson and linebacker Courtney Upshaw remains loaded with blue-chip prospects.

Linebacker Nico Johnson says Saturday the Tide is "already chasing" title No. 15.