Momentum Swings In Britts’ Favor

Every Alabama football player, coach and fan wants a win this week. Justin Britt and his family don’t have that victory yet, but they like the momentum.

Following Alabama’s homecoming victory over Houston two Saturdays ago, Vera Britt suffered critical brain damage in an accident. She had been on the back of a golf cart-type vehicle when it started up and caused her to fall. She suffered five skull fractures.

Her son, Justin Britt, was already home and asleep when he got the call. Since that time the Britt family, including Justin’s brothers, former Tide players Wesley and Taylor, have been keeping vigil at a Birmingham hospital, where Mrs. Britt has undergone two brain surgeries.

She remains in intensive care, but this week was able to give Justin instructions.

“It was just a mumble,” Justin said. “Wesley and I were with her. She said ‘Go back to work.’”

Work this week is preparing for Alabama’s game against Tennessee. Justin isn’t sure what his role will be, but he’s ready for “whatever the coaches want to give me.”

Justin has played in 41 Alabama football games and started 23 of them. He had started the first six this year at left guard, the position he has played since switching to the offensive line prior to the 2006 season. The senior from Cullman missed last week’s game at Ole Miss and doesn’t know if he will start Saturday.

Following practice Wednesday, Alabama Coach Nick Saban said no decision had been made on the offensive line. He said, “We’ve got six or seven we have confidence in.”

Britt said he didn’t have his heart in Alabama football when he returned to the team Monday. His heart was at the Birmingham hospital. As he has done every night this week, following practice he drove to Birmingham to join his family.

“It’s hard,” Britt said. “When I came back to the team Monday, my heart was still at the hospital with my mother. But after she talked to me that night, my heart is with my teammates because she wants me here with my team and teammates.”

He said he would dedicate Saturday’s game to her.

“She’s doing awesome,” Justin said of the progress being made. “She’s making huge strides every day. It’s amazing, nothing short of a miracle.”

Britt said, “Growing up in a Christian home, we prayed. But this has shown us the power of prayer. It has been amazing. We have heard from so many people who are praying for her and so many people have brought food and gifts. We’re keeping a record of everything to share with her.

“My teammates have been awesome. They are praying for me and my mother.”

Britt said that the early prognosis was not good. “A week ago tonight, last Wednesday, we were told she had a 15 per cent chance of survival. Now she recognizes us all, knows everyone’s name.

“It’s day to day.”