Someone from the outside that thoroughly knows the “Bama factor” would fit perfectly for Crimson Tide fans at the position. A few college football institutions have taken on this aspect, but is it time for the University of Alabama to look at the idea of having a “Minister of Culture.”
The main objective of this role for a person is to be a celebrity face that enhances the status of your program being the best in the nation for recruits and fans alike. Having strong knowledge of the school and showing passion for its athletics are both marquee characteristics for the role.
For a team that has won five national championships, six Southeastern Conference Championships and boasting numerous names in the National Football League under Nick Saban, who would be an ideal person to represent the Tide as its Minister of Culture?
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Two people come to mind: Channing Tatum and Radric “Gucci Mane” Davis.
Channing Tatum
Tatum hails from Cullman, Ala., and is an avid Alabama fan.
The 39-year-old actor and singer has a large following and was featured in a bunch of blockbuster movies – including Coach Carter, Step Up, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, G.I. Jose: Retaliation, and the sequels of Magic Mike (Magic Mike XXL) and 21 Jump Street (22 Jump Street). Although he has traveled the world, Tatum claims the state of Alabama as home and having him on the sidelines or involved with Crimson Tide football would draw a massive crowd to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Additionally, Tatum’s no slouch as it relates to his football acumen. While living in Tampa, Fla., Tatum was voted most athletic at Tampa Catholic High School, playing football and track, and ended up receiving a football scholarship to Glenville State College in West Virginia.
Gucci Mane
Despite Davis claiming Atlanta as home, the rapper was born in Bessemer, Ala.
Gucci Mane represents the culture of many Alabama football players who enjoy his music as well as similar artists. His presence would bring an appeal unseen on the Alabama sidelines. Photo by Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
He’s been in the industry since 2001 and has released 14 studio albums. If one was to look at his social media — with a combined 20 million followers — the 39-year-old does not hide his pride for Alabama football.
Gucci Mane on the sidelines for the Tide would do the same things that Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus did for Pete Carroll and the University of Southern California. Broadus, a native of Long Beach, Calif., brought a sense of popularity, style and flair to the Trojans and he made it look attractive.
With him along with other notable names, USC won two national championships in 2003 and 2004 – prior to the NCAA sanctions and it crowned a pair of Heisman Trophy winners in Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush (2005, vacated). Whether it was having fun on the sideline or rapping at team meetings, Snoop Dogg knew how to captivate the attention of players at that time.
A lot of players and fans relate to Gucci Mane through his music, so having him involved would not be a bad touch. Here’s an example of one of his tweets expressing his admiration for the Tide:
Alabama Crimson Tide will be undefeated this season!!!!!!!!!! #RollTide
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) September 2, 2017
According to an article from the Houston Chronicle on Jan. 24, actor Matthew McConaughey got the role of being the Minister of Culture for the University of Texas.
McConaughey, like Tatum, is an A-list star at the box office.
He is a native Texan and was one of the reasons why the Longhorns won the 2006 BCS National Championships off the 2005 season. The 49-year-old is a huge donator and supporter of the program and he was one of the guys that Mack Brown (head coach at the time) would let address the players.
In the article, he explains his role with the program as his job is to make sure get the fans get the best experience inside the $338 million venue that will open in 2021 to house men’s basketball and women’s basketball for Texas, as well as concerts and graduation ceremonies.
Alabama athletics is bigger than Texas and Southern California at this point.
Each year, Nick Saban and his program is consistently in the conversation to win a national championship and if it’s not, then something feels missing about college football.
Tide fans, should UA entertain the thought of having a Minister of Culture?
If you agree, who would be the best candidate for the job?
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
