Michael Nysewander shows his Tide pride after his team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, won its second BCS National Championship in two years. Proud of their son, Michael’s parents JT and Judy say, “Roll Tide Roll."

Immersed in a sea of crimson and white, pride swelled within proud papa,  Jeff Tyson, also known to Clear Channel radio listeners (mornings on  News Radio 105.5 WERC and afternoons on Magic 96.5) as JT, as his son, number 46, Michael  Nysewander took the field for Monday’s BCS National Championship game.

A redshirt freshman at tight end, Nysewander first got grass on his cleats playing defensive end at Hoover High School for three years, where he started as a sophomore.

“Michael is a walk on,” said JT. “This past August he was one of the only freshmen to be invited to camp by Coach Saban.”

Attributing the dominance of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s back-to-back national championship titles to Coach Saban, JT says it’s all about hard work and discipline.

“The media gives Coach Saban a bad rap about being strict with his players, but those players love him,” JT said. “He expects them to do their job. He’s all about discipline and strong work ethic, and my son loves that.”

Arriving in Miami in the wee hours Saturday morning, JT and his wife of 28 years, Judy, were able to see Michael Sunday before the game where the team was staying at the Fontainebleau.

“We told him be careful and do what’s expected of you. Know who you are,” JT said. “And act like you’ve been here before.”

Emphasizing the two most important things, JT said, “I told him to be safe and enjoy it.”

A former high school footballer himself, JT played outside linebacker but decided to simply enjoy his college years at Clarion University outside of Pittsburgh.

When asked, “What’s it like to be the dad of a two-time national champion?” JT replied, “Wow! It’s never been put to me like that before. It’s extremely exciting. Judy and I are loving every minute of this. To see Michael make the progress he’s made in only a year-and-a-half, it’s just extremely pleasing as a parent to see.”

The Nysewanders have a long lineage of family pride for the University of Alabama. Their daughter Alex is an Alabama alum and teaches fifth grade at the magnet school in Tuscaloosa. The Nysewander’s cousins currently attend the university, and Judy has friends in the journalism department.

Arriving at the stadium Monday night, JT said Michael spotted them in the stands.

“We had a blast. The Notre Dame fans were so nice,” said JT.

Recalling the game that almost kept Bama from making its dreams of another national championship come to fruition, the Texas A&M win, JT said he and Judy (along with numerous other fans) thought the season was over.

“Coach Saban always says ‘one game at a time.’ He gets so upset when they start looking at the game ahead. He tells them ‘Focus on this game,’” said JT. Citing the planets aligning just right in order for Alabama to make Miami a dream come true, JT says he’s already looking at hotel rates in Pasadena.

Honored to see his son surpass his own football success, JT could not be more thrilled for him.

“We are so proud and excited to see his career progress,” said JT. “The way the team played the other night is a tribute to Saban, the SEC and the nation.”