Carson Tinker - A Season to Remember: Faith in the Midst of the Storm

In this day and age of self-promotion and me first thinking, Carson Tinker is the exception. Through his many trials and tribulations following the April 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado, Carson not only became a better national champion football player, but a true beacon of light for the Tuscaloosa community and Crimson Tide fan base. In his book, Carsons commitment to be a blessing to others is inspiring and contagious.

Pat Williams Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic Author of more than eighty-five books, including Coach Woodens Greatest Secret

If you have it, you cant hide it. If you dont, you cant fake it. Carson Tinker showed just how deep it runs in his blood as he went through unimaginable personal tragedy during and after the Tuscaloosa tornado of April 27, 2011. View this storm through the eyes of someone who could have floundered, but rather chose to flourish because of his faith.

John Croyle Founder and executive director, Big Oak Ranch Former University of Alabama All-American defensive end Author of Two-Minute Drill to Manhood

All of us at sometime or another are going to face tragedy and difficult circumstances. How Carson Tinker handled his tragedy is not only a great example of his faith but also shows the power of our magnificent God. Carsons story appeals to the young and the old, as well as the sports enthusiasts.

Tommy Bowden College football analyst Former head coach at Clemson and Tulane Author of Winning Character: A Proven Game Plan for Success

A Season to Remember is a reminder that in order to be truly strong, one must become weak. When we find ourselves unable to bear the weight of sorrow and loss, we find that Christ is sweeter and more powerful than ever. Carson Tinker is living proof that there isnt a more powerful platform for the gospel than pain and suffering. Faith becomes real in the ears and eyes of those who see and hear the response of one who is suffering and grieving. This book allows the reader to understand why bad things happen and that peace only comes from a loving, merciful God.

Rick Burgess Cohost of The Rick and Bubba Show New York Times best-selling author

What an inspiring book on so many different levels! Carsons story is sure to inspire many through their own adversities and struggles to achieve their dreams and goals.

Mac Powell Lead vocalist and songwriter for Third Day

When faced with the incomprehensible devastation that followed in the path of the Tuscaloosa tornado, Carson, even in the midst of dealing with his own personal sorrow, served as a quiet leader in the healing of our community and continues to serve unselfishly in many ways to all who have supported him.

Sarah Patterson Six-time national champion University of Alabama head gymnastics coach

A Season to Remember is a direct reflection of what Alabama football is all about: courage, conviction, confidence, will to fight, and faith. This book gives an insight into the life of Carson Tinker and what makes the University of Alabama a special place: its people. Roll Tide!

Jeremiah Castille University of Alabama football team chaplain Founder of the Jeremiah Castille Foundation Former University of Alabama All-American defensive back

I have been an Alabama television meteorologist for thirty-five years; no day in my career will compare to April 27, 2011. Words cant describe the encouragement I received after reading this book. Carsons story is powerful, uplifting, and a beacon of hope during the hard times we all have to face in life. Read it, and get a copy for others in your family and circle of friends.

James Spann ABC 33/40 meteorologist Birmingham, Alabama

In the moments following 5:13 p.m. on April 27, 2011, thousands of citizens transformed themselves into heroes and truly became the images of God throughout Tuscaloosa. Carson Tinker is one such hero, and his profile in courage continues to inspire. Clearly, Carsons story illustrates that even in our darkest hour, there was always a confident hope.

Walter Maddox Mayor of Tuscaloosa

During the aftermath of the April 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama there were so many stories of tragedy. There were also so many stories of ordinary people who became heroes not just because of their actions that terrible day, but for their courage in the face of tremendous adversity. Carson is truly one of those heroes. He showed us that there is no difficulty that the people of Alabama cannot overcome when we work together and put aside our own agendas for the greater good.

Robert Bentley Governor of Alabama

There are times in life when the world will tell you that youre done, youre toast, youre never going to make it. Carson Tinker had every chance to buy into that. But, he didnt. After the 2011 tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Carson was a shining star during his rehab, his recovery, and his national championship playing days. When Carsons back was against the wall, he committed himself to being the best he could be... and more. His work ethic was unmatched. His passion was off the charts. The book youre about to read chronicles every single moment of his journey. Prepare to be blessed!

Scott Cochran Director of Strength and Conditioning University of Alabama Athletics Department

I call my brother, Carson Tinker, a walking miracle. His book A Season to Remember is more than a story about his life, Alabama football, or a football season. Its a reminder about our need for love from a family, a team, and a community. Its a reminder that if you get up and keep fighting, you will reach the top of many mountains. Its a reminder that at the end of it all, Jesus wins. Read it and be reminded!

Shaun Alexander Former University of Alabama All-American running back 2005 NFL MVP, author of Touchdown Alexander and The Walk

Copyright 2014 by Carson Tinker and Tommy Ford

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-4336-8289-6

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 234.2

Subject Heading: FAITH \ CHRISTIAN LIFE \ HOPE

Cover photo by Kent Gidley, UA/Crimson Tide Photos

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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Dedication

To Momma, Daddy, Annie, Grammy and Granddaddy, Mawmaw, and Michael Pope, thanks for being such a blessing in my life.

Foreword

by Nick Saban

One of the proudest moments Ive had as a coach was when Carson Tinker and our 2011 team were recognized with the Disney Spirit Award at the ESPN Awards Show in Orlando. When we look back at 2011 years down the road, Im sure people will remember the National Championship, but I think the way we rallied as a community to help one another after the devastation and tragedy from the tornado will be a memory that is just as prominent. The Disney Spirit Award represented that and is something we can all be proud of.

My message in our meeting with the players after the tornado was that when you are part of a team, you are not just part of the team on Saturday afternoons. We are all part of the team year-round, in good times and in bad. It was an opportunity for our players to go out and help the people that have supported this program for so many years. They are all part of our team at the University of Alabama and their passion and support plays a very important role in the success of the program. Our players took that to heart and the 2011 season meant so much to them because they were representing more than just themselves.

We always talk as a team that you are not defined by your circumstance or adversity; you are defined by how you respond to it and move forward. I dont know if anyone had to overcome more in that regard than Carson. Dealing with the loss of a loved one, dealing with his physical injuries, he had to decide what path he was going to take. From where he was laying in that hospital bed when we visited him after the tornado to the point in his life he is in now, it has been a remarkable journey. Through the tragedy of the tornado, Carson probably lost the most, but he has also given the most back. Theres no question he has responded to what was a tragic circumstance to set an example in terms of the positive way he represented his family, the University of Alabama, and our football program in a first-class manner.