CELEBRATION, Fla. -- This Christmas was one Anfernee Jennings won’t soon forget.

The Alabama linebacker became a father for the first time as he welcomed a son into the world one week ago and spent the holidays with his new baby boy, Austin Anfernee Jennings.

“Man, it was special, although he just slept all day,” Jennings said on Friday. “But it’s just something I’m looking forward to in the future. I had a good time with my family and him.”

Jennings announced the arrival of his son via Instagram last week, and several of his Crimson Tide teammates shared their congratulations. One player in particular, defensive back Shyheim Carter, visited Jennings at the hospital and shared some advice, father to father.

“That’s my brother,” Carter said, “so when his son was born, I was one of the first people over there to the hospital to look out for him and kind of give him tips on things. It was kind of fun.”

A redshirt senior, Jennings now has a family to provide for, but with the 2020 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Dadeville, Ala., native will soon have the necessary means to do just that.

Still, the new responsibility isn’t one Jennings is taking lightly.

“It’s tremendous,” Jennings said. “I realize that it’s not just me, and I have a family to feed. I’m just going about it, doing everything that I can to just put us in a good situation.”

But sit out the upcoming Vrbo Citrus Bowl against Michigan, Jennings’ last game at Alabama?

No way.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” said Jennings of his decision to play in the bowl game. “I started with the team, I’m going to finish with them. I’m a competitor. I love to play football.”

A leader on Alabama’s defense, Jennings has been a consistent force all year long, recording 73 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, five pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble off the edge from his outside linebacker position.

One of the Crimson Tide’s four permanent team captains, Jennings will look to rally the troops and finish the schedule on a high note after a disappointing end to the regular season. Though the Tide is enjoying its time in Orlando, Fla., the players are aware of the task at hand.

“We know what we came here to do,” Jennings said. “We came here to play football and get a W, so in our mind, we’re doing that, regardless of what we do outside.”

A man of few words, Jennings is obviously a proud father. But now in central Florida with the rest of the team, his focus has shifted back to football and closing the season strong.

“It’s just back to work now,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having a good game next week.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).