Obama honors Crimson Tide for BCS championship

US President Barack Obama (L) is presented with a jersey by Alabama football players Barrett Jones (C) and Damion Square (R) as he honored the NCAA College football BCS National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide, at the White House in Washington, April 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama honored the University of Alabama football team for winning the BCS championship to culminate what he called a "deeply meaningful season for the Tide."

Obama's message to the Crimson Tide went beyond the team's second national title in three seasons and a 21-0 shutout of LSU in the BCS championship game in January.

He praised the Tide coaches and players for their efforts in the Alabama community, noting their role in helping rebuild Tuscaloosa, Ala., after devastating tornadoes touched down in April 2011.

"Now, obviously this is a team that knows something about adversity," Obama said. "It was one year ago next week that an F4 tornado carved a path right through the town of Tuscaloosa. I traveled down there two days later to see the devastation with the mayor and the governor. And I've got to tell you, I'd never seen anything like it."

US President Barack Obama (C) is presented with a team helmet and jersey as he welcomes the NCAA College football BCS National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide, at the White House in Washington, April 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones presented Obama with a crimson and white jersey with his name on the back and the No 14 representing the total national titles the Tide counts. He also got an Alabama helmet.

"I'm probably going to need a helmet between now and November," Obama joked.

Obama also made reference to last weekend's accidental shattering of the $30,000 Waterford Crystal trophy from the title.

"So this team didn't just shatter records," Obama said. "I hear the championship trophy also took a bit of a spill earlier this week.

US President Barack Obama holds a football helmet and jersey presented to him by coach Nick Saban (L) and teammates of the BCS National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide following their 14th championship, at the White House in Washington, April 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]