Moody’s Bradley Jones is a soft-spoken guy who does not bring a lot of attention to himself. But that personality changes 180 degrees when he dons the Big Al wardrobe and he turns into the famous mascot for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.Jones signed the athletic scholarship through the cheerleading department last week.
Jones is the 18-year-old son of Danny and Sharon Stephens of Moody and he has attended the Moody schools his entire education career. He has also been an Alabama fan all his life.
It was a year ago that Jones decided he would like to roam the sidelines of Alabama football games and be Big Al.
“You just have to be very charismatic, energetic and in good shape,” Jones said. “The big thing is once you become Big Al, just let loose.”
Jones called another Moody native and former Big Al, Butch Hallmark, to ask if he enjoyed being the famous mascot.
“He did enjoy it and that pretty much made the decision for me,” Jones said. “I actually had the chance to be Big Al during the recent A-Day football game and it was incredible. At first, it was nerve-racking but once you let loose, it is an awesome experience. It is a lot of fun.”
Hallmark graduated Moody High in 2005 and was Big Al from 2005 to 2007.
“When Bradley came to tryouts, he and two others stood out among all the other contestants,” Hallmark said. “He made the first cut and from there, he had it made. In talking to Bradley, one would not think this would be his thing but when he put on the suit, he became Big Al naturally. He will do real well.”
Jones plans on majoring in business while at Alabama. He currently has a 3.1 GPA and his favorite subject is History.
Jones will actually be one of five Big Al’s. All five have the chance to perform at home football games while two are sent to away football games.
“We rotate in and out from pre-game all the way through to the end of the game,” Jones said. “The Big Al suit is very heavy. I’ve been jogging some to work on my endurance because it is very tiring when you are out there performing.”
Sharon Stephens said she was so excited for her son because they have always pulled for the University of Alabama.
“Now to have Big Al as a son is exciting for us,” she said. “I’m kind of shocked and awed at what he has accomplished. But I also stand in amazement of what he is going to do in the future. Over the next four years, we will be going to more Alabama football games than I ever imagined. That’s for sure.”
Danny Stephens is also proud and excited for his son.
“With us being huge Alabama fans all our lives, this just carries on the family tradition,” Stephens said. “This is something he wanted to do and we support him 100 percent.”
Moody High principal Dale Stripling said as an Auburn fan, it is really tough to pull for Bradley.
“But now I have a reason and whenever I have a reason, regardless of the school, I pull for them,” Stripling said. “I am so proud of Bradley achieving this honor and I look forward to seeing him on the sidelines.”
