PASADENA, California − A year ago, kicker Will Reichard stood in his locker at the Sugar Bowl and talked about his legacy with Alabama football. It seemed to be the end of his strong career.

Reichard had made plans to leave after four years and go to the NFL. But those plans changed.

Reichard decided to come back, and as a result, he became the NCAA's leading point scorer in 2023. In his fifth season with the Crimson Tide, he missed only three field goals and no extra points.

To cap off his all-time great Alabama career, Reichard booted two 50-plus-yard field goals vs. Michigan. The Crimson Tide couldn't find a way to beat the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl, though. Michigan won 27-20 in overtime, which brings an end to Reichard's collegiate career.

"It’s heartbreaking," Reichard said. "This group of guys, I’ve been here for five years, this is probably the most together we’ve been as a team since I’ve been here. So when it’s that way, you want to win for your teammates as much as you want to win for yourself. So it’s really tough I won’t be able to be on this team with this my last game and all. Super proud of the way we fought all season and super proud of all of our guys even though we lost."

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Although he's disappointed by the final result, Reichard said it was "awesome" to hit those kicks in the Rose Bowl and ultimately his last game.

"I thought I hit both of them really well," Reichard said. "My snapper and holder made it easy for me. I needed to make plays to help our team win, and that’s what I tried to do."

Reichard is sad the way it ended, but he remains glad he came back for one more season. He thought he could improve and develop by coming back for one more season, plus there was another element for which he remains grateful.

"Just being around this group of guys," Reichard said, "wouldn’t trade it for the world."

Nick Kelly is the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, and he covers Alabama football and men's basketball. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Will Reichard: Alabama football kicker reflects after Rose Bowl