By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle believes he deserves a share of Bryce Young’s 2021 Heisman Trophy — at least jokingly.
During a recent appearance on “The Set” podcast, Waddle said he should get partial credit for Young’s college success because he helped recruit the quarterback to Alabama when Young was still committed to USC.
“I got to take some credit because I had Bryce Young as a recruit,” Waddle said. “He was committed to USC… I feel like I need half of that Heisman from Alabama. Not the whole thing. Just send me half of it. That’s all I ask.”
Young won the Heisman in 2021 after completing 366 of 547 passes for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff national championship game. By that time, Waddle had already declared for the NFL Draft following Alabama’s 2020 national championship season.
Waddle said that during Young’s recruiting visit, he didn’t have to do much convincing.
“Bryce ain’t want to do nothing but play (NBA) 2K,” Waddle said, recalling how Young spent much of the visit playing video games with then-teammate Pat Surtain II. “Good vibes… just chilling, just vibing.”
Waddle joked repeatedly that Young owes him a share of the trophy.
“Send half of it,” Waddle said with a laugh. “That’s my recruit. I switched him.”
Both former Crimson Tide stars now play in the NFL. Waddle was selected sixth overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 and set a rookie record with 104 receptions. Young joined the league in 2023 as the No. 1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.