UAB football players piled into the Birmingham City Council's chambers to witness the council's support of the program today. (Courtesy of State Rep. Jack Williams)

Both current and former UAB football players piled into the Birmingham City Council chambers to witness the council's formal demonstration of its support for the program today.

The gathering was attended by the likes of State Rep. Jack Williams as well as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, who was recently named to the UAB Football Foundation's board.

It's 50 active players at city council today we are trying to save our program fight for UAB football — Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 18, 2014

According to AL.com reporter Joseph Bryant, who was on the scene, the meeting was one of the grandest shows of solidarity the council has ever seen.

This has to be the biggest - and most unified - pep rally at a Birmingham City Council meeting. Rep. Jack Williams is now talking. — Joseph Bryant (@NewsmanBryant) November 18, 2014

Mayor William Bell, a long-time advocate, expressed his support for Blazers football, the future of which has come into question since former players and supporters expressed their concern that an ongoing university strategic planning initiative could lead to the end of the program.

Several council members spoke up.

Councilwoman Lashunda Scales "You don't have to feel like you're in this fight alone." "We're going to fight this fight w you." — Joseph Bryant (@NewsmanBryant) November 18, 2014

Councilwoman Valerie Abbott: "If everyone in Bham would buy a ticket & go to the game, that just might wake everyone in Tuscaloosa up." — Joseph Bryant (@NewsmanBryant) November 18, 2014

Council Pres Austin: "it's not just about the football team. it's about the students. It's about quality of life for those students." — Joseph Bryant (@NewsmanBryant) November 18, 2014

Bell said ending UAB football could lead to the end of all athletics at the university.