Dave Carlson started his own business by making two-pound painted statues he calls Sungods in honor of sports teams. In light of Alabama football’s most recent national championship victory, he has now created the Bama Slammer Sungod statues, which are painted in crimson and white.

“I was just wondering what I could do,” said Carlson, a die-hard Alabama football fan. “I thought a really good gesture would be to make a special little Bama Slammer for each one of the seniors who are graduating. Everybody on that football team gets a championship ring, a hat and a shirt, but I wanted to make something a little bit more personal for the seniors.”

Carlson began making Bama Slammers when he was asked by a friend to make something commemorating the Tide. The desire for the Sungods grew around Florida and has found its way to Alabama. Carlson said people from cities like Dothan and Duncanville have received the gift of a Bama Slammer.

All in all, Carlson has not forgotten the people responsible for the football team’s success. He made special Bama Slammer Sungods for head coach Nick Saban and every senior on this year’s squad.

Carlson included the names and jersey numbers along with the record and “BCS championship” on each senior’s Sungod.

“I think that’s sweet and nice [that he gave the Sungods to members of the team],” said Tymesha Keiling, a junior majoring in psychology. “I think it’s different because you don’t really hear about people doing stuff like that for the team. I think it’s creative.”

Students said it is great that people are supporting and recognizing UA athletics.

“It’s nice he showed his appreciation to the football team and his support for the University of Alabama athletics,” said Leah Bradford, a sophomore majoring in telecommunication and film. “It’s encouraging for the players to know they are supported in the Crimson Tide community even outside the state of Alabama.”

“Maybe he could do more, and more people would know about it and get the word out [that he has these to offer],” said Keiling.

Carlson’s collegiate Sungod business began when he was asked to make some sporting colors from the University of Florida. He’s glad to have items for Alabama fans now and hopes more people can learn about unique items en route to preparing for another championship season.

“I hope they didn’t lose too many good players this year,” Carlson said. “I know Dont’a Hightower is going to the pros and Trent [Richardson] and Dre [Kirkpatrick], but I’ve got pretty good faith in Saban. He’ll get them all back and get that team going again.”

For more information on the Bama Slammer Sungods and all other work, visit teamsungods.com.

Each Sungod purchase will result in a $5 donation to Nick’s Kids Foundation.