Former Alabama safety Xavier McKinney says he ‘hates talking about’ getting helmet knocked off by Auburn RB Shaun Shivers
By SDS Staff
Published:
Xavier McKinney probably knew the questions were coming, but he dreaded revisiting one of the many memorable moments from last year’s Iron Bowl, a 48-45 Auburn win. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Tigers RB Shaun Shivers was en route to the end zone when he lowered his shoulder into McKinney. The force of the collision caused the former Alabama safety’s helmet to fly off.
“It happens as a safety,” McKinney told reporters Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, per AL.com’s Tom Green. “I hate talking about it a little bit. It happens. You’re going to miss tackles. It’s going to happen.”
McKinney says he didn’t stay focused on being part of a viral moment.
“For me, it was just something I had to get over, which I did right after that play,” McKinney told media members. “I wasn’t worried about it at that point. I was worried about trying to win the game.”
McKinney also shrugs off any boasting about the memorable moment.
“That’s part of the game,” McKinney said. “That’s a part of what comes with the game when you play. I’m sure if he was on the other side of the stick, I would have done the same thing. It happens, and I don’t worry about it.”
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
