Close to 70,000 fans journeyed to Clemson on Saturday to show their appreciation for the 2016 National Champions as the city of Clemson and Clemson University celebrated the Tigers’ 35-31 victory over Alabama this past Monday in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

The fans lined the streets of downtown Clemson as the Clemson football team, the support staff, the band and the cheerleaders paraded through on their way to Clemson Memorial Stadium where they were greeted by the nearly 70,000 fans inside.

“It was awesome,” Clemson center Jay Guillermo said afterwards. “It just shows why Clemson has the best fans in the country. All of these people showed up today, the parade route … it was awesome.”

Guillermo said this was something he was always dreamed about.

“For us to be able to come and be a part of it, you can’t hardly describe it, it is awesome,” he said.

Safety Jadar Johnson said Saturday was an amazing day in his eyes. He said he could never picture this happening.

“This is far from what I think would happen,” he said. “This is all from the grace of God. Without God, none of this would be possible.

“I could never imagine this happening. This is way out of sight. It is definitely big and exciting for me. I have never been a part of anything like this. We only made it to the playoffs one time when I was in high school. We lost in the first round. I have not won like this since little league so it is really big for me.”

Johnson says he is at a good time in his life. He says he is just relaxing and just working out.

“I just feel great. Just getting the win, graduating … I really feel good right now.”

So does Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain.

“This is great energy today. So many fans came out and gave us so much appreciation to us and the coaches,” he said. “We really want to give this championship back to Clemson. This is a great day for everybody that is in Clemson today.”

Cain said it was a great feeling being around all the fans as he said they gave them a lot of energy.

“Being on the floats with my teammates, all the energy we have and all of the positive energy, it is just a great thing for just being a young player. This is a great time for us.”

Cain says the realization of being a national champion is slowly starting to hit him.

“As we get into all the activities as a team, and after looking at the trophy, and holding the trophy today was a great feeling,” the sophomore said. “It is coming up on me slow, but it is getting there.”

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