Phidarian Mathis addresses Washington facilities compared to Alabama

Washington Commanders rookie Phidarian Mathis faced a tough question when speaking with the media this past Friday. The former Alabama defensive tackle was asked whether the facilities he had in college were better than what he’s seen so far since arriving in DC.

Mathis hesitated, seemingly not wanting to put the Commanders facilities in a bad light but also wanting to tell the truth. Finally, he laughed and came up with an answer that would satisfy both parties.

“Man, this is a great place for me,” he said. “I’m happy here. I love everything that they’ve got. They’ve got everything I need to take care of my body. So, you know, I can’t complain about it.”

Alabama football has some of the finest facilities in the nation, having spent hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure the quality. Players are treated to a large dining area, state-of-the-art locker room, indoor practice facility and Bryant-Denny Stadium, which seats more than 100,000 people. The facilities are likely on par or better than that of many pro teams given the success and upgrades the Crimson Tide have had since the arrival of Nick Saban in 2007.

Phidarian Mathis joins host of former Alabama players in Washington

Washington selected Phidarian Mathis No. 47 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This past season was undoubtedly the best yet for the defensive tackle. He anchored Alabama’s defensive line with 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

Mathis is now the third former Alabama player on the Commanders defensive line, joining Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Payne and Mathis played together at Alabama, and having the opportunity to team up with his former teammate is something that he is extremely excited for.

“Most definitely, that’s a blessing,” Mathis said. “Those are my big bros. I just talked to Jonathan Allen at the A-Day game and Payne, we talk all the time. So man, it’s a blessing to be back with Payne and also getting a chance to play with Jonathan Allen, because he left when I was coming into Alabama. So that’s another blessing for me and my family. I can’t wait to get around those guys and just learn from them also just come in and help them out.”

In addition to Mathis, the Commanders also selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Mathis and Robinson join Allen, Payne, and wide receiver Cam Sims as the five former Crimson Tide stars currently on Washington’s roster.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.