As respected, loved and revered as he is in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) and surrounding areas, Nick Saban has always been one to pay honor to where it is due.
In continuing his preparation for a college football season and going after national championship No. 7, he took a moment on Thursday to place a smile on the face of a very important man.
Major Wooten is more than an Alabama treasure; he is a national treasure.
At 103 years of age, Wooten is of the soundness of mind and though he’s in hospice in his hometown of Cullman, he remembers what he gave to his country. Wooten, a World War II hero, served in excellence at France, Germany and Italy among other places. He spent 40 years at U.S. Steel in Birmingham after his service and despite losing his wife (Jewel), his son (Larry) in death and his brother in death, Wooten continues to forge on.
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Throughout his life, he’s had a passion for Crimson Tide football. Wooten has been an Alabama fan since 1938 and whether it was Frank Thomas, Paul Bryant, Eugene Stalling or Saban, Wooten saw the shiniest of trophies return to Tuscaloosa.
One of his dreams has been to meet Saban and the installments of technology allowed him the opportunity.
The 68-year-old contacted Wooten via FaceTime and per a video from Rick Karle of NBC Channel 13, the love was felt on both sides. Not only does Wooten value what Saban and the players do, but the head coach was very happy to see the war veteran.
.@AlabamaFTBL #NickSaban surprises 103-yr-old WWII vet w/ FaceTime call!
Major Wooten of Cullman, AL is in hospice, has dreamed of meeting the coach for years.
Detailshttps://t.co/y7Q3PG3F6H@UofAlabama @Greg_Byrne @GregSankey @darrenrovell
#Bama #RollTide @USArmy #GoodNews pic.twitter.com/Vs8tuliIDP— Rick Karle WVTM 13 (@RickKarle) May 7, 2020
Saban brought up Wooten’s accomplishments and bravery, while both shared a laugh of him still mowing the lawn at his age.
Saban hopes to have all the student-athletes back on campus soon to get in some practice time, as he believes the team will be better from handling the adversity of COVID-19.
All Wooten wants is to see his favorite team on the field again.
He gave Saban a “Roll Tide” and is now looking forward to football.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
