Saturday morning was truly special for Clemson fans of all ages. While the 2016 National Champions paraded through the beloved streets of Clemson University, tens of thousands of fans flocked to the route and the stadium to support the first Tiger unit to win the title in 35 years.
Here is what we heard:
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made his appreciation of the Clemson fan base well known when he addressed a crowd of nearly 70,000 people in Memorial Stadium.
“I just want to thank you all for your support. I can’t tell you deep in my bones, how happy I am for our fans. I’m so happy for y’all. I can’t wait to be back here April 8th for our spring game and see this stadium like this,” Swinney said.
President James Clements chimed in with equal appreciation.
“I can say without a doubt that Clemson has the best fans in the country,” Clements said.
As Swinney reflected upon the past teams that built the foundation and the 2016 season, he pointed out how special he could tell this team was from the first day back in spring practice.
“They had a look in their eye that was determined. I truly believe that everything rises and falls on leadership and the leadership and accountability of this team was truly amazing to witness all year long, day in and day out. I always tell these guys, championships are won when the stands are empty. Championships are won when nobody is watching. I have never been around a more accountable group of leaders in my life. These seniors made my job easy,” Swinney said. “I am so appreciative of this whole team, especially the leadership. Let me tell you, they earned it.”
The heart-felt sentiments continued with speeches from select players who have become known as some of the best leaders on the team. One of those players was hometown hero Ben Boulware.
“I grew up in this area. I have been a part of this my whole life. I am one of ya’ll,” Boulware said. “I am really just so thankful for ya’ll. I am so thankful for this community. I am so thankful for guys like Stephone Anthony, Grady Jarrett, and Eric Mac Lain that taught me how to be a leader and not by their words, but by their actions.”
Boulware became overwhelmed with emotions multiple times when discussing how much Clemson and his teammates have meant to him and some of his fellow captains did as well.
“I just want to thank you all for all you’ve done. You’ve been with us through the whole season,” senior defensive tackle Carlos Watkins said. “I love y’all.”
Quarterback Deshaun Watson was one of the many players and coaches to have received a standing ovation from the orange-clad crowd on Saturday, and he reiterated that Clemson has been the best time of his life.
“Go Tigers,” Watson said. “I just want to thank all you fans. These past three years have probably been the best experience of my life. I have enjoyed every single moment. Thank you for all the support, the love and just for making this University the best University in the country. I also want to thank my teammates, my coaches and everyone that is a part of this staff. Thank you for everything, for just treating us right and making sure we become men and the best football player on the field. Everything that we put in, all the work we put in is coming to show now so it is a blessing to let the world see what Clemson is all about. It is a special place.”
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