Wilkin Formby was at the center of some harsh criticism after he had some early-season struggles during the 2024 season.
Episode two of Fox Nation’s The Tides That Binds focused on the criticism and how it impacted Formby and his family.
Social media was filled with criticism, and Formby got a brief but clear view of the criticism during a quick look at social media.
“I went on social media, the first thing that popped up was like, kill Wilkin Formby,” Formby said. “It’s lot of hate that they’re spreading, and it didn’t really get to me that bad. I just hate that my family had to see all that stuff. My little sister’s going to school and people are asking her about it. That was the part that made me frustrated.”
Formby’s dad expressed his frustrations during the episode.
“It’s difficult for us,” Shannon Formby said. “It’s frustrating because these guys are working every single day as hard as they can…We go to lsu and Tiger baits in your face. Georgia, they bark at you. You know, you’re used to that. You grow up with it. But, you know, when your kids. And we say kids, plural, you know, all these guys, when your own fan base turns against you, it’s a little difficult for us.”
Alabama’s offensive lineman, Kadyn Proctor shared his thoughts on the criticism after experiencing similar criticism as a freshman for the Tide.
“Me experiencing it first and then seeing him get it,” Proctor said. “It’s like, I don’t know how y’all could say this stuff. We might laugh about it right now, but when we’re by ourselves, that really takes a toll. I’ve had countless times where I cried, for sure. I bet he probably has, too, when nobody’s around because they don’t understand how much that affects you. You’re in front of millions of people, not trying to mess up.”
Formby’s mother commended Wilkin for the way he handled the situation.
“That’s what we’re most proud of, is the way Wilkin has responded to this,” Melanie Formby said. “Obviously, he was shocked and hurt, but you can also choose not to read those things and get back to work and keep the main thing the main thing.”
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