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Alabama WR Germie Bernard, QB Ty Simpson lead ‘Audience of One’ event at stadium: ‘Tonight is all about God’

Alabama football players came up with a new way to utilize Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sunday night. One day after improving to 7-1 (5-0 in conference) with a come-from-behind 29-22 victory at South Carolina, some of the team’s biggest names were leading an “Audience of One” event that was reportedly attended by nearly 2,000 people.

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Among those who spoke were starting quarterback Ty Simpson and top receiver Germie Bernard. Bernard was the driving force behind the event, which joined similar worship nights that have recently taken place at other schools, including Ohio State, Pitt and Vanderbilt.

“This has been on my heart for a couple weeks now, and I’m so glad that God has been able to make this come to fruition,” Bernard told those in attendance. “I just want to say that tonight is all about God, all about giving glory to Him, and about just turning hearts.”

The Crimson Tide’s leader in receptions (38), receiving yards (526) and receiving touchdowns (six) also shared about the choice he made to fast and how the experience brought him closer to the Lord.

“Going into this year, when I really felt the presence of God was when I decided to fast,” Bernard said. “To break from my flesh, break from my own desires, and really pour out my heart to God. He really met me through that tough time that I was going through. Ever since then, I’ve just been on fire for Him.”

 

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When it was Simpson’s turn to speak, the Heisman Trophy candidate talked about how knowing that Christ died for his sins changes the way he looks at every situation he encounters.

“We kind of go by this motto in the Simpson household: How can you have a bad day knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for you? … No matter where I’m at, no matter what happens, God died for me. And I know I’m going to make the best out of it, whether we lose to Florida State or we barely [beat] South Carolina,” he said.

Offensive lineman Wilkin Formby, defensive lineman Tim Keenan III and wide receiver Isaiah Horton were among the other players in attendance. Bernard, Keenan and Simpson were also instrumental in Saturday’s win.

Simpson threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 20 touchdown passes and just one interception on the season. He connected with Bernard for a four-yard touchdown with 2:16 left, and a successful two-point conversion tied the game.

Keenan then came up with one of the biggest plays of the game, recovering a fumble on South Carolina’s next possession. Bernard scored a 25-yard rushing touchdown on the ensuing drive.

“It was awesome. It was just great. Just happy,” Simpson said after the game. “It’s a great win. It’s a tough win. Guys coming together and just hugging each other. Like, ‘Man, happy for you. Proud of you. Got your back.’ The amount of ‘I got your back’ in that locker room is amazing.

“I’ve never felt that in a locker room before — the amount of trust and just having each other’s back. The amount of love we have for one another is like no other.”

The dramatic victory kept Alabama in the No. 4 spot in this week’s Associated Press poll. The team is now on its bye week and hosts LSU in its next game Nov. 8. It is the first of three straight games at home for the Crimson Tide.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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