The Alabama football team was honored today by Disney with the 2011 Disney Spirit Award on Monday, given annually by Disney Sports to college football's most inspirational player or team.

The Tide was honored because of its efforts in helping the city of Tuscaloosa recover from the April 27th tornadoes.

Carson Tinker, who as most of you know lost his girlfriend in the storms, was chosen by the team to accept the award on their behalf.

Tinker said this in a statement released from the University:

“This award does not represent me, it represents our team, our University and the Tuscaloosa community,” Tinker said. “Everyone reached out and pulled together as a family in the face of this tragedy. The tornado took so much from us, but with a spirit of hope and a lot of hard work, we have begun the healing process. I am very proud of how this team and this community rallied together after such a devastating storm.”

Several players helped raised money, drive 18-Wheeler trucks full of supplies and the University of Alabama donated $1 million to tornado relief.

“The compassion and generosity that these young men displayed were instrumental in the rebuilding efforts of a community in dire need of physical as well as emotional help, and Disney Sports is proud to honor them for their contributions,” said Disney Sports executive Faron Kelley. “The Crimson Tide and the University of Alabama have shown that sports can have a healing power far beyond the field or court.”

Alabama Products For Sale: