PHENIX CITY, Alabama -- Though hundreds of AL.com readers are up in arms over an Andalusia newborn's school-spirited moniker, fellow University of Alabama fans have come out of the woodwork for Krimson Tyde Steele and his parents, Summer and Steven.

Shane Broadhurst, 31, is among the vocal supporters urging the Covington County family to ignore the detractors.

"I would definitely say to fulfill their fantasy. Stay Alabama fans and live every day to the fullest," said Broadhurst, father to son Crimson Tide, 2, and daughter Alliegh Bama, 5 months. "I hate that they're (the Steele family) having to go through that and hear a bunch of crap. You should be able to name your young'un what you want."

The Phenix City resident, who describes himself and his family as die-hard Alabama fans, was moved to offer support to the Andalusia family after reading their story on Sunday.

"Alabama football seems to keep us strong," Broadhurst said. "It keeps us focused on what we need to get done. It's more than football to us - it's a family. We're severely die-hard Alabama."

A one-time high school football star, who regards Nick Saban as a father-figure of sorts, Broadhurst had hoped for a college football career. A broken neck during an 11th-grade football game squelched his plans.

But his rampant support of the Crimson Tide - the team - helps the Bama Landscaping and Lawn Care owner keep his dream alive.

"Alabama still makes me feel like I've got a (football) career; they keep me strong 24/7," Broadhurst said. "I always say to myself, 'What would Saban do?'"

Wife, Emily, 25, wasn't as devoted to the team when Broadhurst met her nine years ago, but it didn't take long to convert her.

"(Now) She's just like a guy about it; she's as die-hard as it gets," he said, adding, "I don't know if I could have dated her if she was an Auburn fan," but said he would have converted her to the Tide either way.

Though Broadhurst never attended the school and hasn't stepped foot in Bryant-Denny Stadium, he insists that the university makes him stronger as a person and he dreams about college careers there for both his Bama-named children.

As for the Steele family, Broadhurst has a final message for them.

"Don't worry about what other people say. People are going to hate Alabama because we're such a good team. I would tell them to not let it get to them. Be Bama fans as hard as they can be and live their life and Roll Tide," he said during a Monday phone interview.

*Edited at 6:05 p.m. to correct Emily Broadhurst's age.