During his fall camp press conference Tuesday, Steve Sarkisian shared how Nick Saban indirectly saved his life.
Sarkisian had open-heart surgery in July after doctors discovered “that he needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly before it became an issue.” This anomaly was discovered during the required yearly physical screening for each member of Alabama’s coaching staff. According to Sarkisian, Saban promotes the need for these physicals on a yearly basis.
“I think first and formeost, It is one of the values of being at the University of Alabama,” Sarkisian said. “We do an extensive executive physical. Coach Saban is the one that really promotes that. For me, going and doing the physical, you think being 46 years old, it’s kind of ho-hum, you go do all the tests. They detected something in my heart, and through further tests recognized we might have to do further tests. We did that and had to have surgery.”
WATCH SARKISIAN TALKS OPEN-HEART SURGERY:
Now that Sarkisian’s health is in check, him and Saban are helping the Crimson Tide continue their push to the 2020 football season. Alabama begins its season on the road as they will tavel to Columbus, Missouri to take on the Missouri Tigers on Sept. 26.
